JP7548383B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, some gaming machines of this type have a mechanism for displaying changing patterns (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-33922 A (page 199 and FIG. 209)

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, there is a problem that it is difficult to view the varying symbol display while maintaining a sense of expectation regarding the outcome of the varying symbol display.

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase interest in the changing pattern display.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration.
That is, the invention described in claim 1 is as follows:
A main control means for performing main control regarding a game;
A sub-control means for performing a secondary control in accordance with an instruction from the main control means,
The main control means
a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information used for a game when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
a determination means for making a determination regarding the game using the determination information;
The gaming machine includes:
A display means capable of displaying a display performance including a pattern change display from when a plurality of patterns start to change to when the patterns stop in a combination based on a result of the determination by the determination means,
The sub-control means
A variation pattern determination means capable of determining a winning variation pattern in which the pattern variation display is stopped at a winning combination when the judgment result is a winning result, and a losing variation pattern in which the pattern variation display is stopped at a losing combination when the judgment result is a losing result, from among a plurality of variation patterns showing the variation mode of the pattern variation display;
and a suggestive effect determination means for determining a predetermined suggestive effect from among a plurality of suggestive effects that suggest that the symbol variation display may be aligned in the winning combination;
A special variation stop in which the symbol variation display is stopped by the winning combination includes a special winning variation pattern that is executed after the symbol variation display is temporarily displayed by the losing combination,
The gaming machine includes:
A suggestion performance execution means for executing the predetermined suggestion performance determined by the suggestion performance determination means,
In the case where the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determination means is the special winning fluctuation pattern, a special suggestion performance is executed to suggest to a player that the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determination means may be the special winning fluctuation pattern before the special fluctuation stop is executed.
The gaming machine is configured such that, after the losing combination is displayed in a first display mode in which the losing combination is recognizable, the display mode of the losing combination is changed to a second display mode different from the first display mode while maintaining the losing combination in a recognizable state, the special suggestion performance is executed in a state in which the changed second display mode is recognizable, and then the special variation stop is executed;
At least a part of the special suggestion effect may overlap with at least a part of the losing combination in the second display mode.
It is characterized by:

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase interest in the changing pattern display.

1 is a front view of a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. FIG. 1A is an explanatory diagram showing the display content of the third symbol display device, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a hold display. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of various counters used in game control. FIG. 13 is a table for selecting a big win, where (a) indicates a normal probability and (b) indicates a high probability. This is a table for selecting the variation pattern of the main decorative pattern. This is a table for selecting a symbol change display pattern. This is a table for selecting a hold display pattern. 13 is a table for selecting a background change pattern. 1 is a table for selecting a sound output pattern. 4 is a flowchart showing main processing by a main control device. 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the first pattern change processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a fluctuation start process. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. A flowchart showing the start winning processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a lottery process for pre-reading. 13 is a flowchart showing an NMI interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart showing the main processing by the dispensing control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a dispensing control process. A flowchart showing prize ball control processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a ball loan control process. 13 is a flowchart showing main processing by a sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing by a sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing frame button input monitoring and performance processing by the sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a performance execution management process performed by the sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a read-ahead fluctuation pattern designation command reception process performed by the sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing the opening/closing mode (jackpot) display setting process by the sub-control device. 13 is a flowchart showing a variable display mode setting process by the sub-control device. 4 is a flowchart showing normal processing of the display control device. 4 is a flowchart showing a process of switching a display mode or the like by a display control device. This is a time chart of the jackpot fluctuation pattern. This is a time chart of various suggestive effects that are executed along with the jackpot fluctuation pattern, including the revival effect. 13 is a time chart of deviation fluctuation patterns. An explanatory diagram showing an example of execution of a completely off fluctuation pattern. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution pattern of a normal reach that misses except for the front and rear. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of a fluctuation pattern of a jackpot super reach. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution pattern of a super reach that misses the front or rear. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of a jackpot super reach fluctuation pattern different from that shown in Figure 39. This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of a fluctuation pattern of a super reach that is off before or after another, different from that shown in Figure 40. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of a jackpot super reach fluctuation pattern different from those in Figures 39 and 41. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of the fluctuation pattern of the jackpot super reach in Example 2. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of the fluctuation pattern of the jackpot super reach in Example 3. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of the fluctuation pattern of the jackpot super reach in Example 4. An explanatory diagram showing an example of the execution of the fluctuation pattern of the jackpot super reach in Example 5. 23 is a table for selecting a pre-reading preview pattern used in the sixth embodiment. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of execution of a read-ahead notification pattern in the sixth embodiment. This is a hold display pattern selection table used in Example 7. This is a time chart explaining the pending display pattern in the case of a jackpot in Example 7. This is a time chart explaining the pending display pattern in the case of a miss in Example 7. This is an example of the execution of the jackpot super reach in the seventh embodiment. This is an example of the execution of a super reach that is off the front or rear in Example 7. This is an example of the execution of the jackpot super reach in the seventh embodiment.

Below, various embodiments of pachinko gaming machines (hereinafter simply referred to as "pachinko machines") will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings.

Example 1 is an example of the present invention and the invention described below in (System A).
A pachinko machine according to a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of a pachinko machine 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko machine 10. Fig. 3 is a front view of a game board 30. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. Fig. 5 (a) shows the display contents of the third symbol display device 42, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing a reserved display.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 comprises an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10 and is fixed to the game island of the amusement hall (hall), an inner frame 12 that is supported so as to be openable and closable relative to the outer frame 11 with one side (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front) of the outer frame 11 as an opening/closing axis J1, and a front frame set 14 that is attached so as to be openable and closable relative to the inner frame 12 with one side (e.g., the left side when viewed from the front) of the inner frame 12 as an opening/closing axis J2.

The outer frame 11 is made of wooden plate materials and has a rectangular shape as a whole when viewed from the front, and each plate material is attached with removable fasteners such as small screws. In this embodiment, for example, the outer dimension of the outer frame 11 in the up-down direction is 809 mm (inner dimension 771 mm), and the outer dimension in the left-right direction is 518 mm (inner dimension 480 mm). The outer frame 11 may also be made of resin or a light metal such as aluminum.

The inner frame 12 is roughly divided into a resin base 12a as the main component that forms its outer shape, and a game board 30 that is attached to the resin base 12a. As shown in FIG. 1, the inner frame 12 also has a front frame set 14 that can be opened to one side on the front side of the resin base 12a.

Now let us explain the front frame set 14 in more detail.

As shown in Figure 1, when viewed from the front, the front frame set 14 is broadly divided into a lower plate portion 13 located at the bottom, an upper plate portion 21 located above the lower plate portion 13, and a glass frame portion 23 located above the upper plate portion 21.

The front frame set 14 is formed by attaching the lower dish portion 13, the upper dish portion 21, and the glass frame portion 23 to respective locations on the front side of the base plate body (not shown), which is a resin molded part of the front frame set 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower plate portion 13 is an integrated part that includes the parts that form the lower plate 15 and the parts that surround that part, and is fixed to the lowest part of the base plate body (not shown) when viewed from the front by fasteners such as screws so that it is located at the lowest part of the front frame set 14. This lower plate portion 13 is equipped with the lower plate 15 and the ball removal lever 17 on its front side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the lower tray 15 serving as a ball receiving tray is located to the left of the large three-dimensional character section 25 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, and is approximately half the width of the front frame set 14. Game balls discharged from the discharge port 16 can be stored in the lower tray 15. The ball removal lever 17 is used to remove (discharge) the game balls in the lower tray 15, and by moving the ball removal lever 17 to the left in FIG. 1, a circular discharge section formed in a predetermined location (e.g., approximately the center) on the bottom of the lower tray 15 is opened, and the game balls stored in the lower tray 15 can be discharged downward to the outside through the opened circular discharge section on the bottom of the lower tray 15.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper tray section 21 is a part that integrates the parts that form the upper tray 19 and the parts that surround that part, and is fixed to the lower part of the base plate body (not shown) when viewed from the front with fasteners such as screws so that it is located at the lower part of the front frame set 14 (above the aforementioned lower tray 15), and is equipped with the upper tray 19 as a tray for receiving game balls. Here, the upper tray 19 is a ball receiving tray that temporarily stores game balls and guides them toward the launching device 229 while aligning them in a row.

As shown in FIG. 1, the upper tray 21 is provided with various operation buttons on its upper surface that are operated by the player. These operation buttons include a performance button 80 provided on the upper surface of the upper tray 21 near the ball storage space of the upper tray 19, and an upper selection button 71, a lower selection button 72, a left selection button 73, and a right selection button 74 (collectively referred to as selection buttons 71-74) arranged side by side in front of the performance button 80 (closer to the player than the performance button 80). In addition to the push button type, the buttons may be, for example, a lever type or a touch sensor type.

As shown in FIG. 1, the glass frame 23 includes a window 101 formed on the upper side of the upper tray 21, various illumination parts (first illumination part 300, second illumination part 302, and third illumination part 304) provided around the window 101, and sound output parts 24a and 24b. The sound output part 24a includes a speaker that outputs normal sound in a frequency band that is output as normal play progresses.

As shown in FIG. 1, the sound output unit 24 is provided at two locations, one on the left and one on the top of the front frame set 14 when viewed from the front, and is formed of a plurality of output ports for outputting sound from speakers provided inside or on the back of the front frame set 14. Only a portion of these output ports is shown in FIG. 1, and the entirety is not shown.

In more detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 has a window 101 of an approximately vertically elongated elliptical shape formed in the center of the glass frame 23 located above the upper tray 21 so that most of the play area 30a (see FIG. 3) of the play board 30 can be seen from the outside. In more detail, the window 101 is approximately vertically elongated elliptical with a hollow center (opening 101a), and a glass unit (not shown) is attached to the rear side of the front frame set 14 so as to cover the opening 101a with a glass plate 137 of an approximately vertically elongated elliptical shape or the like. This glass unit has a double glass structure in which two glass plates 137 are arranged close to each other in the front-rear direction. The approximately central portion of the window 101 may be linear, and the glass plate 137 may be adjusted to match that shape. The glass plate 137 is not limited to glass, and any material may be used as long as it is a transparent plate with a certain strength.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the glass frame 23 is provided with a first illumination section 300, a second illumination section 302, and a third illumination section 304 around the window 101. In detail, as shown in FIG. 1, the front frame set 14 is provided with a first illumination section 300 (left side illumination section) incorporating LEDs, etc., at the left side around the window 101 when viewed from the front, a second illumination section 302 (right side illumination section) incorporating LEDs, etc., at the right side around the window 101, and a third illumination section 304 (upper illumination section) incorporating LEDs, etc., at the upper side around the window 101. These illumination sections are controlled to change their light emission state, such as turning on and blinking, depending on changes in the game state at the time of a jackpot or a specified reach, and serve to enhance the presentation effect during the game.

In the pachinko machine 10, the first illumination unit 300, the second illumination unit 302, and the third illumination unit 304 function as jackpot lamps, and notify the player that a jackpot has been hit by lighting up or blinking when a jackpot has been hit. In addition, the first illumination unit 300 and the second illumination unit 302 of the pachinko machine 10 are equipped with a prize ball lamp 105 that lights up when prize balls are being paid out, and an error display lamp 106 that lights up when a specified error occurs.

A small window 107 made of transparent resin is provided at the lower right corner of the periphery of the window portion 101, allowing part of the surface of the inner frame 12 and the surface of the game board 30 to be seen. A specific portion of this small window 107 is made flat, so that a certificate stamp or the like affixed to the lower right corner of the game board 30 can be easily read by machine from the flat portion of the small window 107.

In addition, a ball lending operation unit 120 is arranged at the lower right of the window portion 101, and the ball lending operation unit 120 is provided with a ball lending button 121 and a return button 122. When the ball lending operation unit 120 is operated with bills or cards (e.g., prepaid cards) inserted into a card unit (ball lending unit) (not shown) arranged on the side of the pachinko machine 10, game balls are lent out in accordance with the operation. The ball lending button 121 is operated to obtain loaned balls based on information recorded on a card or the like (recording medium), and loaned balls are supplied to the upper tray 19 as long as there is a balance on the card or the like. The return button 122 is operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted into the card unit. The ball lending operation unit 120 may further be provided with a degree display unit (not shown). This degree display unit (not shown) displays the remaining balance information of the card or the like. In addition, in pachinko machines where game balls are directly dispensed from a ball dispensing device to the upper tray without going through a card unit, i.e., in so-called cash machines, the ball dispensing operation unit 120 is not necessary. Therefore, decorative stickers or the like are attached to the installation area of the ball dispensing operation unit 120. This allows the ball dispensing operation unit to be shared between pachinko machines that use card units and cash machines.

Next, the configuration of the game board 30 will be described with reference to Figure 3. As shown in Figure 3, the game board 30 is equipped with a wooden (e.g., plywood) game board 30b that is rectangular when viewed from the front and has both left corners removed, and its peripheral portion (the outer portion of rails 51, 52 described below) is attached in contact with the back side of the resin base 12a of the inner frame 12. The game area 30a, which is approximately the center of the front side of the game board 30, can be seen from the front outside of the front frame set 14 through the glass plate 137 of the approximately elliptical window portion 101 shown in Figure 1 of the base plate body (not shown) of the front frame set 14.

The game board 30 also includes a general winning opening 31, a variable winning device 32, a start winning device 33 (e.g., an actuating chucker), a third starting opening 34 (e.g., a through gate), and a variable display unit 35. The general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the start winning device 33, the third starting opening 34, and the variable display unit 35 are each disposed in a through hole formed by router processing in the game board 30, and are attached from the front side of the game board 30 with wood screws or the like.

The start winning device 33 is composed of a single winning device in which, from top to bottom, a first start port 33a (e.g., an actuation chucker) and a second start port 33b (e.g., an actuation chucker) are arranged one above the other. The first start port 33a on the upper side is provided with an actuation port switch (passage detection switch) for the first start port 33a (not shown), and balls entering the first start port 33a are detected by the actuation port switch for the first start port 33a. The second start port 33b on the lower side is provided with an actuation port switch (passage detection switch) for the second start port 33b (not shown), and balls entering the second start port 33b are detected by the actuation port switch for the second start port 33b. Whether the game ball enters the first starting hole 33a on the upper side or the second starting hole 33b on the lower side as described above, it is still a starting winning, and these ball entries can be detected individually.

In addition, balls entering the general winning port 31 are detected by a detection switch (a winning port switch, not shown), and balls entering the variable winning device 32 are detected by a detection switch (a count switch, not shown), and based on the output of this detection switch, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 19 (or lower tray 15).

For example, when a ball lands in the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b, three prize balls are paid out. When a ball lands in the general winning hole 31 or the variable winning device 32, ten prize balls are paid out. The number of prize balls is arbitrary and may be any number.

When a game ball enters the third starting hole 34, the ball is detected by a detection switch (a pass-through detection switch, not shown), but the game ball is not paid out even if the ball enters the third starting hole 34.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the game board 30 is provided with an outlet 36, and game balls that do not enter the various winning devices are guided through this outlet 36 toward a ball discharge path (not shown). The game board 30 is provided with a large number of nails 39 for appropriately dispersing and adjusting the falling direction of the game balls, and various components (gimmicks) such as a windmill 37 are also arranged.

As shown in FIG. 3, the variable display unit 35 includes a first pattern display device 40 that variably displays a first pattern (e.g., a special pattern) as identification information when a winning entry into the first starting gate 33a or the second starting gate 33b is triggered, a second pattern display device 41 that variably displays a second pattern (e.g., a normal pattern) when a winning entry into the third starting gate 34 is triggered, and a third pattern display device 42 that variably displays a third pattern (e.g., a decorative pattern) when a winning entry into the first starting gate 33a or the second starting gate 33b is triggered. The third pattern display device 42 may be, for example, a display device dedicated to display performance, or a light-transmitting resin plate such as an acrylic panel that can display images and is provided in place of or together with the glass plate 137.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first pattern display device 40 is provided with a first segment display unit 40a, which is a segment display (e.g., a 7-segment LED display with a decimal point) in which a plurality of segment light-emitting units are arranged in a predetermined manner. This first segment display unit 40a emits light in a variable manner based on the ball entering the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first pattern display device 40 is provided with a reserve lamp 40c that indicates the number of reserved variable displays in the first segment display unit 40a. The reserve lamp 40c is also configured to be displayed on the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5(a), the third pattern display device 42 is provided with first to fourth reserve displays H1 to H4 corresponding to the four reserve lamps 40c and the reserve display TH corresponding to the currently executed variable pattern. FIG. 5(a) shows the start of the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display TH when the reserved number is 4, the confirmation of the missing of the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display TH when the reserved number is 4, or the change display of the decorative pattern (third pattern) consisting of the main decorative pattern SZ and the sub decorative pattern FZ in the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display TH when the reserved number is 4. The first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 and the reserved display TH are displayed in colors according to the degree of the possibility of a jackpot. That is, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when the colors are displayed in order from the least likely to be a jackpot, the colors are white, blue, red, and rainbow in order. A white reserved indicates that the change pattern corresponding to the reserved does not indicate the possibility of a jackpot combination or that the change pattern is unlikely to be a jackpot combination. A blue reserved indicates that the change pattern corresponding to the reserved has a higher possibility of being a jackpot than the change pattern corresponding to the white reserved, but is relatively less likely to be a jackpot than the change pattern corresponding to the red reserved. The red color indicates that the fluctuation pattern corresponding to that hold is more likely than the fluctuation pattern corresponding to the blue hold. The rainbow colored hold indicates that the probability of a jackpot is the highest, and that the fluctuation pattern corresponding to that hold is confirmed to be a jackpot combination. Note that FIG. 5(a) shows that the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4 and the corresponding hold display TH are white.

The first segment display unit 40a generates a variable display state of the first pattern (in this embodiment, the variable light emission mode of each segment light emission unit) by randomly or sequentially changing the light emission of each segment light emission unit based on the ball entering the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b, and when the light emission fluctuation stops, for example, when the first symbol (e.g., numbers, letters, etc.) is illuminated, it means a 16R certain jackpot (first specific win), when the second symbol (e.g., numbers, letters, etc.) is illuminated, it means an 8R certain jackpot (second specific win), when the third symbol (e.g., numbers, letters, etc.) is illuminated, it means an 8R normal jackpot (non-specific win), and when the fourth symbol (e.g., numbers, letters, etc.) is illuminated, it means a miss. Furthermore, because the general player does not know what the first to fourth symbols displayed by the first segment display unit 40a mean, the display is designed so that the player cannot tell (or finds it difficult to tell) whether it indicates a 16R special jackpot, an 8R special jackpot, an 8R regular jackpot, or a miss just by looking at it.

When a 16R special jackpot, 8R special jackpot, or 8R regular jackpot occurs, the variable winning device 32 enters a specific game state (e.g., a jackpot state) described below.

In addition, as the first pattern display device 40, a single or multiple LEDs capable of emitting at least two colors may be adopted. Specifically, in the case where two LEDs capable of emitting red and blue light are adopted as the first pattern display device 40, the color of light emitted by each LED is alternately changed to generate a variable display state of the first pattern (the color of light emitted by each LED). For example, when both LEDs stop in a red light emitting state, it indicates a sure chance jackpot (specific win), when one LED stops in a red light emitting state and the other LED goes out, it indicates a latent sure chance jackpot (latent specific win), when both LEDs stop in a blue light emitting state, it indicates a normal jackpot (non-specific win), and when both LEDs stop in a light emitting state of different colors, it indicates a miss. In addition, at least one of the first segment display unit 40a and the reserved lamp 40c constituting the first pattern display device 40 may be constituted by a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT, a dot matrix display device, or other types of display devices, and may be configured to display on the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 in particular. In addition, the patterns displayed by the first pattern display device 40 may be configured to display multiple types of letters, multiple types of symbols, multiple types of characters, or multiple types of colors.

The second symbol display device 41 has a display section 41a for the second symbol, for example a "circle", a display section 41b for the second symbol, for example an "x", and a hold lamp 41c. Each time the game ball passes through the third start hole 34, the display symbol (normal symbol) displayed by the display sections 41a and 41b changes, and when the changing display stops at a predetermined symbol, the second start hole 33b on the lower side is activated (opened) for a predetermined period of time. The number of times the game ball has passed through the third start hole 34 is held up to a maximum of four times, and the number of times that it has been held is displayed by lighting up the hold lamp 41c. The display sections 41a and 41b each have an LED (light-emitting diode) inside, and the display changes by switching the light emitted by this LED (or the light on the lamp). In addition, at least one of the second pattern display device 41 and the hold lamp 41c may be configured with other types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, a CRT or a dot matrix display device, or may be configured to display on the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42.

In the third pattern display device 42, when the first pattern display device 40 displays the first pattern in a variable manner and a predetermined display (stop display) based on winning the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b, the third pattern display device 42 displays the third pattern in a variable manner and a predetermined display (stop display) accordingly. Note that the third pattern display device 42 not only displays the effects triggered by winning the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b, but also displays the effects during a specific game state to which a player enters after winning a jackpot.

The third pattern display device 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device, and the display contents are controlled by a display control device 45 described later. On the third pattern display device 42, three decorative pattern rows L, M, and R, left, center, and right, are displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5. Each decorative pattern row L, M, and R is composed of a plurality of decorative patterns, and these decorative patterns are variably displayed on the third pattern display device 42 so that each decorative pattern row L, M, and R is scrolled. In this embodiment, the third pattern display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) is equipped with a large liquid crystal display, for example, 11 inches in size. In the variable display device unit 35, a center frame 47 is disposed on the front side of the third pattern display device 42 so as to substantially surround the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, a liquid crystal display device is used as the third pattern display device 42, but other types of image display devices (for example, PDP: plasma display panel, EL: electroluminescence display, organic EL, etc.) may be used.

The variable winning device 32 shown in Fig. 3 is normally in a closed state where game balls cannot win (or it may be in a closed state where it is difficult to win), and in the event of a jackpot, it is repeatedly operated between an open state where game balls can easily win and a normal closed state. In this way, the state in which the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly operated between an open state and a normal closed state in the event of a jackpot is called a specific game state (e.g., a jackpot state), in which a large number of game balls enter (win) the variable winning device 32, and a large number of game balls are paid out in response to the win, making it an advantageous game state for the player. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment can transition between a normal game state (game ball consumption state) in which the number of game balls inserted (the number of game balls fired into the game area 30a by the launching device 229) is greater than the number of prize balls paid out (the number of prize balls paid out based on the game balls entering the general winning opening 31, the variable winning device 32, the first starting opening 33a, the second starting opening 33b, etc.), and a specific game state (e.g., a jackpot state) in which the number of prize balls paid out is greater than the number of game balls inserted.

More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 33a or the second starting hole 33b, the first segment display section 40a of the first symbol display device 40 changes its display, and when the display of the first segment display section 40a after the change stops is a preset symbol, a specific game state occurs. For example, when the first symbol is displayed, it means that a specific game state of a 16R special jackpot (first special jackpot) has been won, when the second symbol is displayed, it means that a specific game state of an 8R special jackpot (second special jackpot) has been won, when the third symbol is displayed, it means that a specific game state of an 8R normal jackpot (non-special jackpot) has been won, and when the fourth symbol is displayed, it means that a miss (losing the special game state) has been won.

When a specific game state occurs, the variable winning device 32 is configured so that its large winning port 32a is in a predetermined open state, making it easier for game balls to win (big win state). Specifically, the large winning port 32a of the variable winning device 32 is repeatedly opened a predetermined number of times (for example, 16 rounds), with the passage of a predetermined time in the open state or the winning of a predetermined number of winning balls being one round. In addition, the number of times that the game ball has passed through the first start port 33a and the second start port 33b is reserved up to four times, and the reserved number is displayed by the reserved lamps 40c1, 40c2, 40c3, and 40c4 (collectively referred to as reserved lamps 40c). The reserved lamps 40c are lit in the order of 40c1, 40c2, 40c3, and 40c4. The reserved lamps 40c may be configured to display reserved on a part of the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42.

As shown in FIG. 3, the game board 30 is provided with two rails 51, 52 for guiding the game balls launched from the launching device 229 (see FIG. 2) to the top of the game board 30, and the game balls launched in response to the rotation of the game ball launching handle 18 are guided to a predetermined game area 30a through the ball guide passage 49 of the two rails 51, 52, which will be described later. The two rails 51, 52 are elongated stainless steel metal strip members, and are attached to the game board 30 on the inside and outside. The inner rail 51 is formed in a shape that is approximately a vertical ellipse, excluding the part that runs from the upper left diagonal to the lower right diagonal in a clockwise direction, when viewed from the front of the game board 30. The outer rail 52 is formed so that a part (mainly the left side part) faces the inner rail 51. In this case, the guide rail is made up of an inner rail 51 and an outer rail 52, and the portion where these rails 51, 52 are parallel with a certain distance between them (the portion on the left side when facing the ball) forms the ball guide passage 49. The ball guide passage 49 is formed in the shape of a groove that has an abutment surface with the game board 30, that is, a groove that is open on the front side.

A return ball prevention member 53 is attached to the tip of the inner rail 51 (upper left in FIG. 3). This prevents a game ball that has been guided from the ball guide passage 49 between the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 to the top of the game board 30 from returning back into the ball guide passage 49. In addition, when the game board 30 is attached to the inner frame 12, a return rubber 54 is located at a position on the outer rail 52 that corresponds to the maximum flight part of the game ball (upper right in FIG. 3: the part corresponding to the tip of the outer rail 52). Therefore, a game ball launched with a force greater than a predetermined value hits the return rubber 54 and bounces back. The outer rail 52 is a long stainless steel metal strip, which makes the flight of the game ball smoother, that is, reduces the frictional resistance of the game ball. As shown in FIG. 3, the play area 30a is divided from the tip of the outer rail 52 (upper right in FIG. 3) to the right tip of the inner rail 51 (lower right in FIG. 3) by a wall 56 on the play area 30a side of the first pattern display device 40 and a wall 55 (shown by a dashed line in FIG. 3) formed on the inner frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, the lower right corner of the game board 30 is a space for attaching a sticker SL (which may be a plate) such as a certificate stamp (for example, with a manufacturing number written on it). By attaching a sticker SL such as a certificate stamp to the lower right corner of the game board 30, it is possible to ensure uniqueness between the game board 30 and the certificate stamp.

Next, the play area 30a of the play board 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the play area 30a is defined in a substantially vertically oval shape by the inner periphery (inner and outer rails) of the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52, and in this embodiment in particular, the play area 30a defined on the surface of the play board 30 is configured to be large.

In this embodiment, the play area 30a is the area surrounded by the inner rail 51 and the outer rail 52 when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10, excluding the guide rail area which is the parallel portion of the inner and outer rails 51, 52. Therefore, when referring to the play area 30a, the guide rail portion is not included, so the left limit position of the play area 30a is determined by the inner rail 51, not the outer rail 52. The right limit position of the play area 30a is determined by the wall portion 55 (part of the inner frame 12). The lower limit position of the play area 30a is determined by the inner rail 51. The upper limit position of the play area 30a is determined by the outer rail 52.

Although detailed drawings are omitted, the launching device 229 receives game balls one by one from a ball outlet (not shown) of the front frame set 14 (a ball outlet leading from the downstream end of the upper tray 19).

Next, the configuration of the back of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, on the back of the pachinko machine 10 (actually the back of the inner frame 12 and the game board 30), various control boards are arranged vertically and horizontally, and predetermined control boards are stacked front to back (for example, the payout control board 311a in FIG. 4 described later is located at the front side in the rear view, and the power supply control board of the power supply device 313 and the launch control board of the launch control device 312 are located further back than the payout control board 311a). In addition, a game ball supply device (payout mechanism 352) for supplying game balls and a resin protective cover 353 are attached. In this embodiment, various control boards are mounted separately on multiple (three) mounting bases 230 to 232 shown in FIG. 2, which are used as each control board unit, and each control board unit is individually attached to the back of the inner frame 12 or the game board 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the main control device 261 is mounted on the mounting base 230, the sub-control device 262 is mounted on the mounting base 232, and each is unitized, while the payout control device 311, launch control device 312, and power supply device 313 are mounted on the mounting base 231, and each is unitized.

As shown in FIG. 2, the payout mechanism 352 is configured by arranging various components (a tank 355, a tank rail 356, a case rail 357, a payout device 358, and a power switch board 382, which will be described later) in an inverted L-shape when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the payout mechanism 352 and protective cover 353 are also integrated into one unit, and this unit is sometimes referred to as a back pack, so here this unit is referred to as the "back pack unit 203".

The back pack unit 203 is configured so that it can be attached and detached unit by unit without using any tools, and in addition, a support shaft is provided in part so that it can be opened and closed relative to the back of the inner frame 12 or the game board 30. This is also a design that makes it possible to easily check hidden components, etc., even if the back pack unit 203 and other components are stacked one on top of the other.

The back of the game board 30 is provided with a winning detection mechanism for detecting the passage of game balls through various winning holes. Specifically, a winning hole switch (not shown) is provided at a position corresponding to the general winning hole 31 on the front side of the game board 30, and a count switch (not shown) is provided at the variable winning device 32. The count switch is a switch that counts winning balls. In addition, an operating hole switch (not shown) for the first starting hole 33a and an operating hole switch (not shown) for the second starting hole 33b are provided at positions corresponding to the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b, respectively, and the entry of game balls into the first starting hole 33a and the second starting hole 33b is detected by the respective operating hole switches. A gate switch is provided at a position corresponding to the third starting hole 34, and the passage of game balls into the third starting hole 34 is detected by the gate switch.

The winning port switch (not shown) of the general winning port 31 and the gate switch of the third starting port 34 are connected to a panel connection board (not shown) through electrical wiring (not shown), which is in turn connected to a main control board 261a (see FIG. 4) in the main control device 261 (described later). The count switch of the variable winning device 32 is connected to a large winning port relay terminal board (not shown), which is also connected to the main control board 261a. In contrast, the operation port switches of the first starting port 33a and the second starting port 33b are directly connected to the main control board 261a without going through a relay board.

Other details (not shown) are provided in the figure, but the variable prize device 32 is provided with a large prize opening solenoid for opening the large prize opening 32a, and the second starting opening 33b on the lower side is provided with an operating opening solenoid for opening the electric device.

The detection results detected by each of the winning detection mechanisms are input to the main control board 261a in the main control device 261, which will be described later, and the main control board 261a transmits a payout command (number of game balls to be paid out) according to the winning status at each time to the payout control board 311a. The payout of a predetermined number of game balls is then carried out based on the output of the payout control board 311a.

2, the main control device 261 is mounted on the lower mounting base 230 in the rear view of the pachinko machine 10, and the sub-control device 262 is mounted on the upper mounting base 232 in the rear view of the pachinko machine 10. Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 261 is equipped with a main control board 261a including a CPU 501 that mainly controls, a ROM 502 that stores a game program, a RAM 503 that stores necessary data according to the progress of the game, an input/output port 505 that communicates with various devices, a random number generator (not shown) used in various lotteries, and a clock pulse generating circuit (not shown) used for time counting and synchronization, and the main control board 261a is housed in a board box 263 (enclosure means) made of a transparent resin material or the like. The board box 263 is equipped with a box base having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and box cover are connected by a sealing unit 261c in an unopenable manner, thereby sealing the board box 263.

The sub-control device 262 further comprises a CPU 551 which controls the audio and lamp display and the display control device 45 according to instructions from the main control board 261a in the main control device 261, and a sub-control board 262a which includes a ROM 552, a RAM 553, a bus line 554 and an input/output port 555, etc., and this sub-control board 262a is housed in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. Power supplied from a power supply board, which will be described later, is output to the display control device 45 via the sub-control device 262.

As shown in FIG. 2, the payout control device 311, launch control device 312, power supply device 313 and card unit connection board 314 are mounted on the mounting base 231. The payout control device 311 is equipped with a control board including a CPU which is the center of control, as well as ROM, RAM, various ports, etc. The launch control device 312 is equipped with a launch control board. The power supply device 313 is equipped with a power control board. The payout control board 311a of the payout control device 311 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls. The launch control board of the launch control device 312 controls the launch device 229 (see FIG. 4) in accordance with the operation of the game ball launch handle 18 by the player, and the power supply board of the power supply device 313 generates and outputs a specified power supply voltage required by various control devices, etc. The launching device 229 of this embodiment employs a solenoid-type launching component that launches game balls by striking them with a launching hammer (not shown) that can move back and forth according to whether or not electricity is applied to a launch solenoid (not shown). As the launching device 229, various types of components may be employed, such as a mechanical launching component that launches game balls by striking them with a launching hammer that operates according to the drive of a launching motor, or an electromagnetic launching component that launches game balls by generating an electromagnetic field. The card unit connection board 314 is electrically connected to the ball lending operation unit 120 (see FIG. 1) on the front of the pachinko machine and the card unit (not shown), and receives commands for ball lending operations by the player and outputs them to the payout control device 311. In a cash machine in which game balls are directly loaned from a ball lending device or the like to the upper tray 19 without going through a card unit, the card unit connection board 314 is not necessary.

The dispensing control device 311, the firing control device 312, the power supply device 313 and the card unit connection board 314 are each housed in a board box made of a transparent resin material or the like. In particular, in the dispensing control device 311, similar to the main control device 261 described above, the box base and box cover constituting the board box 311b (enclosure means) are connected by a sealing unit (sealing means) in an unopenable manner, thereby sealing the board box 311b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the payout control device 311 is provided with a state return switch 311c. For example, when the state return switch 311c is pressed in the event of a payout error, such as a ball jam in the payout motor, the payout motor 358a (see FIG. 4) is rotated slowly in the forward direction, and the ball jam is cleared (returned to the normal state).

The power supply monitoring board 261b is also provided with a RAM erase switch 323. The pachinko machine 10 has a backup function, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is retained, and when power is restored, the state at the time of the power outage can be restored. Therefore, since the state before the power outage is stored and retained when the power is turned off in the normal procedure (for example, when the hall closes), if you want to return to the initial state when the power is turned on, you can turn on the power while pressing the RAM erase switch 323.

Next, the configuration of the back pack unit 203 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the back pack unit 203 is an integrated unit of a resin-molded protective cover 353 and a game ball payout mechanism 352.

The rear pack unit 203 is provided with a tank 355 at the top that opens upward, and this tank 355 is successively replenished with game balls supplied from the island equipment (game island equipment) of the game hall. A tank rail 356, which has, for example, two horizontal rows of ball passages and gently slopes downward toward the downstream side, is connected below the tank 355, and a case rail 357 is further connected vertically to the downstream side of the tank rail 356. A payout device 358 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail 357, and the required number of game balls are appropriately paid out by a predetermined electrical configuration such as a payout motor 358a. The game balls paid out from the payout device 358 are then supplied to the upper tray 19 through a payout passage (not shown) or the like.

The tank rail 356 is also provided with a vibrator 360 for applying vibrations to the tank rail 356. For example, the vibrator 360 is fastened to the tank rail 356 with, for example, two screws. Furthermore, the vibrator 360 does not come into surface contact with the tank rail 356, but rather comes into contact with the two screws, so that the vibrations from the vibrator 360 are transmitted to the tank rail 356 more effectively. Therefore, if a ball jam occurs near the tank rail 356, the ball jam is eliminated by driving the vibrator 360.

The dispensing mechanism unit 352 is provided with a dispensing relay board (not shown) that relays dispensing command signals from the dispensing control device 311 to the dispensing device 358, and a power switch board 382 for taking in main power from the outside. The power switch board 382 is supplied with main power, for example, 24 V AC, via a voltage converter, and the power is turned ON or OFF by switching the power switch 382a.

The payout mechanism 352, which extends from the tank 355 to the payout passage (not shown), is made of a conductive resin material (e.g., conductive polycarbonate resin) and is partially grounded. This prevents noise caused by static electricity from being generated by the game balls.

As shown in FIG. 2, an inner frame open detection switch 388 is provided on the upper right side of the inner frame 12 to detect when the inner frame 12 is opened relative to the outer frame 11. When the inner frame 12 is opened, an output is sent from the inner frame open detection switch 388 to the computer for use in the hall (inside the pachinko parlor).

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained using FIG. 4. The pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a main control device 261, a payout control device 311, a firing control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a display control device 45, an audio output control device 47, a power supply device 313, and the like. Each of these devices will be explained in detail below.

The main control device 261 of the pachinko machine 10 is equipped with a CPU 501, which is a one-chip microcomputer that is an arithmetic unit. The CPU 501 contains a ROM 502 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 501, a RAM 503 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 502, and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit.

RAM 503 is configured so that it can retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from power supply device 313 even after the power to pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and RAM 503 has memory and areas for temporarily storing various types of data, etc.

In other words, when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes normal processing to the end, so that the RAM 503 only needs to store and hold the contents of the counter buffer and reserved ball storage area at the time of power outage (including the time of power outage; the same applies below), and when the power is turned back on, the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before the power was cut off. Specifically, there is no need to provide a dedicated backup area in the RAM 503 for storing the values of each register and I/O, etc., regarding the game information during normal processing when the power is cut off. Note that the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 501 is configured to receive a power outage signal S1 output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 (described later) when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when a power outage occurs, the power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing) is immediately executed.

The CPU 501, which incorporates the ROM 502 and RAM 503, is connected to an input/output port 505 via a bus line 504 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 505 is connected to a RAM erase switch circuit 543 (described later), a payout control device 311, a launch control device 312, a sub-control device 262, a first pattern display device 40, a second pattern display device 41, and other switches (not shown). The main control device 261 also has a function of controlling the variable display of the first pattern on the first pattern display device 40 and the variable display of the second pattern on the second pattern display device 41.

The RAM 513 of the payout control device 311, like the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above, is configured so that data can be retained (backed up) by receiving backup voltage from the power supply device 313 even after the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, and the RAM 513 is provided with memory and areas for temporarily storing various types of data, etc.

In the event that the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the RAM 513 stores and holds information about the state of the pachinko machine 10 when the power supply is turned back on, so that the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before the power supply was turned off. In other words, the storage of this RAM 513 is performed when the power supply is turned off by the NMI interrupt processing and the latter half of the payout control processing steps, and conversely, the stored information in the RAM 513 is restored during the power restoration processing when the power supply is turned on.

The CPU 511, which incorporates the ROM 512 and RAM 513, is connected to an input/output port 515 via a bus line 514 consisting of an address bus and a data bus. The input/output port 515 is connected to the main control device 261, the launch control device 312, the payout motor 358a, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the launch control device 312 permits or prohibits the launch of game balls by the launch device 229, and the launch device 229 is permitted to operate when a certain condition is met. Specifically, the launch control device 312 outputs a launch permission signal S7 to the main control device 261 on the condition that all of the following have been input: a card unit connection signal S4 from the payout control device 311 (a signal output when the above-mentioned card unit is connected to the pachinko machine 10), a touch detection signal S5 output when the player touches the game ball launch handle 18, and a launch maintenance signal S6 output when the launch stop switch 18a provided on the game ball launch handle 18 for stopping launch is not operated. In addition, a volume signal S10 corresponding to the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 18 is input from the game ball launch handle 18 to the launch control device 312, and the launch control device 312 outputs this volume signal S10 to the main control device 261.

That is, the launch permission signal S7 is ON (high level) during the period in which it is in the launch permission state, and the launch permission signal S7 is OFF (low level) during the period in which it is OFF (low level) during the period in which it is OFF (low level). That is, the main control device 261 repeatedly outputs to the launch control device 312, at a predetermined repeating period, a launch control signal S8 (pulse signal) that controls a launch solenoid (not shown) that launches the game ball, and a ball feed control signal S9 (pulse signal) that controls a ball feed solenoid that sends the game ball to the launch rail. The amplitude value of the launch control signal S8 (pulse signal) is determined in the main control device 261 based on the volume signal S10, and for example, the greater the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 18, the greater the amplitude value of the launch control signal S8 (pulse signal). The launch control device 312 drives and controls the launch device 229 based on the launch control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9, and the game ball is launched with a strength according to the amount of operation of the game ball launch handle 18. Conversely, while the input launch permission signal S7 is OFF, the main control device 261 does not output the launch control signal S8 and the ball feed control signal S9 to the launch control device 312, and the launch device 229 does not launch any game balls.

The display control device 45 controls the variable display of the third pattern (decorative pattern) in the third pattern display device 42. This display control device 45 includes a CPU 521, a ROM (program ROM) 522, a work RAM 523, a video RAM 524, a character ROM 525, an image controller 526, an input port 527, an output port 529, and bus lines 530 and 531. The input of the input port 527 is connected to the output of the sub-control device 262, and the output of the input port 527 is connected to the CPU 521, the ROM 522, the work RAM 523, and the image controller 526. The image controller 526 is also connected to an output port 529 via a bus line 531, and the output of the output port 529 is connected to the third pattern display device 42, which is a liquid crystal display device.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the decorative pattern display in the third pattern display device 42 based on various commands sent from the main control device 261 after being edited by the sub-control device 262. The ROM 522 is a memory for storing various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 521, and the work RAM 523 is a memory for temporarily storing work data and flags used when the CPU 521 executes various programs.

Video RAM 524 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on third pattern display device 42, and the display contents of third pattern display device 42 are changed by rewriting the contents of this video RAM 524. Character ROM 525 is a memory for storing character data such as decorative patterns to be displayed on third pattern display device 42. Image controller 526 adjusts the timing of CPU 521, video RAM 524, and output port 529 to mediate data reading and writing, and also reads display data stored in video RAM 524 from character ROM 525 at a predetermined timing and displays it on third pattern display device 42.

The sound output control device 46 controls the sound output in the sound output unit 24a. This sound output control device 46 is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and executes processing to control the output of normal sounds and specific sounds in accordance with the display performance in the third pattern display device 42. The ROM stores programs and sound data for the sound output processing. The sound output unit 24a is equipped with an amplifier and speaker for outputting sound, etc.

The power supply device 313 also includes a power supply unit 541 for supplying power to each part of the pachinko machine 10. The power supply unit 541 supplies the necessary operating power to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, etc., through a power supply path not shown. In summary, the power supply unit 541 takes in 24V AC power supplied from an external source, generates a +12V power supply for driving various switches and motors, a +5V power supply for logic, a backup power supply for RAM backup, etc., and supplies these +12V power supply, +5V power supply, and backup power supplies to the main control device 261, the payout control device 311, etc. Note that the firing control device 312 is supplied with operating power (+12V power supply, +5V power supply, etc.) via the payout control device 311.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main control device 261 includes a main control board 261a and a power supply monitoring board 261b separate from the main control board 261a, housed in a board box 263 made of a transparent resin material or the like. The power supply monitoring board 261b includes a power outage monitoring circuit 542 that monitors power interruptions due to power outages or the like, and a RAM erase switch circuit 543 that is connected to the RAM erase switch 323.

The power outage monitoring circuit 542 is a circuit for outputting a power outage signal S1 to each NMI terminal of the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 and the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. The power outage monitoring circuit 542 monitors the 24 V AC voltage in the power supply unit 541, and if the time that this voltage falls below 22 V exceeds, for example, 20 milliseconds, it determines that a power outage (power outage) has occurred, and outputs a power outage signal S1 to the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control device 311. By outputting this power outage signal S1, the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control device 311 recognize the occurrence of a power outage and execute power outage processing (NMI interrupt processing).

The power supply unit 541 is configured to maintain the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage for the control system, at a normal value for a period of time sufficient to execute the power failure processing, even after the 24 volts AC monitored by the power supply unit 541 has fallen below 22 volts for more than 20 milliseconds. Therefore, the main control unit 261 and the dispensing control unit 311 can execute and complete the power failure processing normally.

The RAM clear switch circuit 543 is a circuit for taking in the switch signal of the RAM clear switch 323 and clearing the backup data in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 and the RAM 513 of the payout control device 311 according to the state of the switch 323. When the RAM clear switch 323 is pressed, the RAM clear switch circuit 543 outputs a RAM clear signal S2 to the main control board 261a. When the pachinko machine 10 is powered on with the RAM clear switch 323 pressed (including powering on after a power outage is resolved), the data in the RAM 503 is cleared in the main control device 261, and when the payout control device 311 receives an initialization command from the main control device 261, the data in the RAM 513 is cleared.

Meanwhile, the third symbol display device 42 (liquid crystal display device) has three decorative symbol rows L, M, R, left, center, and right, as shown in FIG. 5, and three decorative symbols, an upper decorative symbol, a middle decorative symbol, and a lower decorative symbol, are displayed in a variable manner for each of the decorative symbol rows L, M, and R. In this embodiment, the series of symbols is composed of main decorative symbols SZ, each of which is numbered "0" to "9," and secondary decorative symbols FZ, which are diamond-shaped picture symbols. The main decorative symbols SZ are displayed in ascending or descending order of the numbers, and secondary decorative symbols FZ are arranged between each main decorative symbol SZ to form a series of decorative symbol rows L, M, and R. The main decorative symbols SZ and secondary decorative symbols FZ are displayed in a variable manner from top to bottom with a periodicity.

In this case, the series of decorative patterns are displayed in descending order (i.e., in the order in which the main decorative pattern SZ number decreases) in the left decorative pattern column L, and in the center decorative pattern column M and right decorative pattern column R, the series of decorative patterns are displayed in ascending order (i.e., in the order in which the main decorative pattern SZ number increases). Then, the variable display stops in the order of left decorative pattern column L → right decorative pattern column R → center decorative pattern column M, and when it stops, if the main decorative pattern SZ is aligned in a jackpot pattern combination (in this embodiment, a combination of the same main decorative pattern SZ) on any of the five effective lines on the third pattern display device 42, namely the upper line L1, middle line L2, lower line L3, right upward line L4, and left upward line L5, a special game video is displayed as a jackpot.

The main decorative pattern SZ is composed of a number section SZa in which numbers are drawn, and a decorative section SZb in which characters such as people and animals are decoratively drawn. For example, the main decorative pattern SZ "1" arranged in the three decorative pattern rows L, M, and R is each composed of a number section SZa "1" and a decorative section SZb in which the same character (a different character from "2" to "9") is drawn within a frame surrounding the "1". The same is true for the main decorative patterns SZ "2" to "9".

Next, we will explain the operation of the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above.

In this embodiment, the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 uses random numbers related to the operation of the reels and other random numbers used for play to perform the lottery (jackpot lottery: jackpot lottery for the first pattern) and pattern display settings for the first pattern display device 40, the lottery (winning lottery for the second pattern) and pattern display settings for the second pattern display device 41, and the lottery and settings related to the variable display of the decorative pattern (third pattern) of the third pattern display device 42.

Specifically, in the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the random numbers related to the operation of the reels are a jackpot random number counter C1 used to draw a jackpot on the first pattern display device 40, a jackpot pattern counter C2 used to select a jackpot pattern on the first pattern display device 40, an initial value random number counter CINI1 used to set the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a second pattern random number counter C4 used to draw a jackpot on the second pattern display device 41, and an initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 used to set the initial value of the second pattern random number counter C4.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, this pachinko machine 10 uses, as other random numbers for use in the game, a stop pattern selection counter C3 used to select a stop pattern to roughly identify the type of variation pattern when selecting a variation pattern of the decorative pattern of the third pattern display device 42, variation type counters CS1, CS2, CS3 used to select the variation pattern of the decorative pattern of the third pattern display device 42, and a second pattern loss pattern counter C5 used to select a loss pattern of the second pattern display device 41. Each of the counters mentioned above is configured by a program executed by the CPU 501.

For example, "stop pattern 0" indicates a group of complete miss fluctuation patterns consisting of multiple types of complete miss fluctuation patterns, "stop pattern 1" indicates a group of front and rear miss reach fluctuation patterns consisting of multiple types of front and rear miss reach fluctuation patterns, "stop pattern 2" indicates a group of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear misses consisting of multiple types of reach fluctuation patterns other than front and rear misses, "stop pattern 3" indicates a group of normal jackpot fluctuation patterns consisting of multiple types of normal jackpot fluctuation patterns, and "stop pattern 4" indicates a group of special jackpot fluctuation patterns consisting of multiple types of special jackpot fluctuation patterns.

All of these counters C1-C5, CINI1-CINI2, CS1-CS3 are loop counters that add "1" to the previous value each time they are updated (hereinafter referred to as "update") and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated periodically, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a counter buffer set in a predetermined area of RAM 503 shown in FIG. 6. RAM 503 also has one execution area and a reserved ball storage area consisting of four reserved areas (first reserved area, second reserved area, third reserved area, fourth reserved area), and each of these areas stores values such as the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot pattern counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls into the first start hole 33a and the second start hole 33b. The winning of game balls into the first start hole 33a and the second start hole 33b is also called the establishment of the starting condition. Each value stored in the execution area is called the executed change display, and each value stored in the reserved ball storage area is called the unexecuted change display.

Specifically, if the start condition is met during a period when neither the executed nor unexecuted variable display is stored in the execution area and reserved ball storage area, the executed variable display is stored in the execution area. If the start condition is met during a period when the executed variable display is stored in the execution area, the unexecuted variable display is stored in the first reserved area, the second reserved area, the third reserved area, and the fourth reserved area in that order. When the executed variable display is stored in the execution area, a variable non-execution condition is met that does not execute the pattern variable display for the unexecuted variable display stored in the reserved ball storage area.

The unexecuted change displays stored in the first reserve area, second reserve area, third reserve area, and fourth reserve area are also called the first reserve, second reserve, third reserve, and fourth reserve.

Each of the above counters will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 6. The jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of "0" to "599", for example, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (i.e. "599"). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The initial value random number counter CINI1 is a loop counter (value = 0 to 599) similar to the jackpot random number counter C1, and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described later, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing (see FIG. 14) described later. The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described later), and is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 when the game ball enters the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b.

The winning value of the jackpot random number counter C1, that is, the number of random numbers that will result in a jackpot, is set to two types, low probability and high probability. The number of random numbers that will result in a jackpot at low probability is two, with the value being "150,450", and the number of random numbers that will result in a jackpot at high probability is four, with the values being "50,150,350,450". In other words, the jackpot probability at low probability is 1/300, and at high probability is 1/150. Note that high probability refers to a state in which a jackpot is reached by a predetermined probability-changing pattern, for example, and the probability of a subsequent jackpot is increased as an added value, that is, a so-called "probability change", and normal time (low probability) refers to a time when such a probability change state is not in place. In addition, the high probability state (probability change state) continues until the next jackpot after the probability change jackpot or latent probability change jackpot ends (after the large prize opening 32a of the variable prize device 32 has been opened for, for example, 16 rounds).

The jackpot symbol counter C2 determines the symbol (in this embodiment, the final display symbol after the first segment display unit 40a changes) when the first segment display unit 40 of the first symbol display device 40 stops changing during a jackpot. In this embodiment, the jackpot symbol counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of "0" to "99", for example, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (i.e., "9"). The jackpot symbol counter C2 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described later) in the same manner as the jackpot random number counter C1 described above, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 when the game ball enters the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b.

The jackpot lottery table using the jackpot random number counter C1 and the jackpot pattern counter C2 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7(a) is a jackpot lottery table for normal probability, and (b) is a jackpot lottery table for high probability. When the jackpot random number counter C1 is a win and the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is between "0" and "39", the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 stops at the third symbol, indicating an 8R normal jackpot (non-specific win). Also, when the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is between "0" and "39", the decorative patterns are aligned with odd numbers excluding "7", such as "1", "3", "5", and "9", as described later. Next, when the jackpot random number counter C1 is a win and the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is between "40" and "79", the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 stops at the second symbol, indicating an 8R jackpot (second specific win). Also, when the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is between "40" and "79", the decorative symbols are aligned with even numbers such as "2", "4", "6", and "8", as described below. Next, when the jackpot random number counter C1 is a win and the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is between "80" and "99", the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 stops at the first symbol, indicating a 16R jackpot (first specific win). Also, when the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 is between "80" and "99", the decorative symbols are aligned with "7", as described below. In addition, if the jackpot random number counter C1 is a miss, regardless of the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2, the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 stops at the fourth symbol, indicating a miss. In other words, the distribution of jackpot types is 16R probability: 8R probability: normal = 2: 4: 4.

The stop pattern selection counter C3 is configured to be incremented by one within the range of "0" to "238", for example, and to return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 238). In this embodiment, the stop pattern selection counter C3 is configured to select a "reach before or after miss" in which the final stop decorative pattern stops just one before or after the reach decorative pattern after the reach occurs in the third pattern display device 42, a "reach other than a back and forth miss" in which the final stop decorative pattern stops other than before or after the reach decorative pattern after the reach occurs, and a "complete miss" in which no reach occurs. For example, C3=0 to 201 corresponds to a complete miss, C3=202 to 208 corresponds to a back and forth miss reach, and C3=209 to 238 corresponds to a reach other than a back and forth miss. The contents of the lottery (drawing of reach) of the stop pattern selection counter C3 may be set individually depending on whether the pachinko machine 10 is in a low probability or high probability state, whether the fluctuation time shortening function of the first pattern display device 40 is inactive or active, how many active reserved balls are in operation when the first pattern starts to fluctuate, etc. The stop pattern selection counter C3 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described later) and is stored in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 when the game ball enters the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b.

Of the three fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, the fluctuation type counter CS1 is configured to increment by one within the range of, for example, "0 to 198" and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (i.e., "198"); the fluctuation type counter CS2 is configured to increment by one within the range of, for example, "0 to 240" and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (i.e., "240"); and the fluctuation type counter CS3 is configured to increment by one within the range of, for example, "0 to 162" and return to "0" after reaching the maximum value (i.e., "162"). In the following description, the fluctuation type counter CS1 will also be referred to as the "first fluctuation type counter," the fluctuation type counter CS2 as the "second fluctuation type counter," and the fluctuation type counter CS3 as the "third fluctuation type counter."

The first variation type counter CS1 determines a group of rough decorative pattern variation patterns, such as the reach type of the decorative pattern (third pattern) such as the so-called normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., and the type of complete miss. Next, from the group of variation patterns determined by the first variation type counter CS1 in this way, another variation pattern is determined by the second variation type counter CS2.

The decorative pattern change pattern is determined using the main decorative pattern change pattern selection table shown in Figure 8.

That is, when the jackpot symbol counter C2 is any of "0" to "39", if the first variation type counter CS1 is "0" to "20", the normal reach group (jackpot normal reach group) is determined, and if it is "21" to "110" or "111" to "198", the super reach group (jackpot super reach group) is determined. When the jackpot symbol counter C2 is any of "46" to "85", if the first variation type counter CS1 is "0" to "20", the normal reach group (jackpot normal reach group) is determined, and if it is "21" to "110" or "111" to "198", the super reach group (jackpot super reach group) is determined. When the jackpot symbol counter C2 is any of "86" to "99," if the first variation type counter CS1 is "0" to "100," a super reach group (jackpot super reach group) is determined, and if it is "101" to "198," a different super reach group (jackpot super reach group) is determined. In this way, when a jackpot is won, it is set so that a super reach, which has a high chance of winning a jackpot, is more likely to be selected than a normal reach, which has a low chance of winning a jackpot. This gives the player the impression that it is easier to win a jackpot when a reach that the player has high hopes for is executed.

When the jackpot symbol counter C2 is any of "0" to "39", the detailed type of variation pattern is determined as follows. When the first variation type counter CS1 is "0" to "20", if the second variation type counter CS2 is "0" to "189", normal reach A (jackpot normal reach A) is determined, and if the second variation type counter CS2 is "190" to "240", normal reach B (jackpot normal reach B) is determined. In this way, the probability of selecting jackpot normal reach A is set to be overwhelmingly higher than that of jackpot normal reach B. As a result, if an effect is executed in which the reserved display TH changes to rainbow colors in normal reach A, it becomes easier for the player to recognize that the reserved display TH being rainbow colors indicates a confirmed jackpot.

Next, when the first variation type counter CS1 is between "21" and "110", if the second variation type counter CS2 is between "0" and "189", a Super Reach A (jackpot Super Reach A) is determined, and if the second variation type counter CS2 is between "190" and "240", a Super Reach B (jackpot Super Reach B) is determined. This makes it easier for the player to recognize that if a specific effect is executed in Super Reach A, for example, the reserved display TH turns rainbow, the reserved display TH being rainbow-colored indicates a confirmed jackpot.

In addition, when the first fluctuation type counter CS1 is between "111" and "198", if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is between "0" and "80", a Super Reach C (Jackpot Super Reach C) is determined, if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is between "81" and "160", a Super Reach D (Jackpot Super Reach D) is determined, and if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is between "161" and "240", a Super Reach E (Jackpot Super Reach E) is determined. As a result, in Super Reach C, for example, an effect is executed in which the reserved display TH changes to rainbow colors in the middle of the reach development performance, in Super Reach D, for example, an effect is executed in which the reserved display TH changes to red in the middle of the reach development performance, and in Super Reach E, for example, an effect is executed in which the reserved display changes to rainbow colors in the final moment of the reach development performance. Even if the reserved display TH does not change to rainbow or red in the middle of the reach development performance, the reach performance can be shown to the player in a state of anticipation of a jackpot until the final moment of the reach development performance.

When the jackpot symbol counter C2 is any of "46" to "85" or any of "86" to "99", the determination is the same as when the jackpot symbol counter C2 is any of "0" to "39" as described above.

Next, if the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any of "0" to "201", a complete miss is determined, if the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any of "202" to "208", either a normal lead with a front-to-back miss or a super reach with a front-to-back miss is determined, and if the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any of "209" to "238", either a normal reach with a non-front-to-back miss or a super reach with a non-front-to-back miss is determined. In this way, if the jackpot lottery is a miss, it is set up so that a complete miss is more likely to occur.

Next, when the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any one of "0" to "201", the detailed type of fluctuation pattern is determined as follows. When the first fluctuation type counter CS1 is "0" to "100", if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is "0" to "120", a complete miss A is determined, and if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is "121" to "240", a complete miss B is determined. When the first fluctuation type counter CS1 is "101" to "150", if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is "0" to "120", a complete miss C is determined, and if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is "121" to "240", a complete miss D is determined. When the first fluctuation type counter CS1 is between "151" and "198", if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is between "0" and "120", a complete miss E is determined, and if the second fluctuation type counter CS2 is between "121" and "240", a complete miss F is determined.

Next, when the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any one of "202" to "208", the detailed type of the variation pattern is determined as follows. When the first variation type counter CS1 is "0" to "100", if the second variation type counter CS2 is "0" to "120", a normal reach A with a miss before and after is determined, and if the second variation type counter CS2 is "121" to "240", a normal reach B with a miss before and after is determined. As a result, if an effect is executed in normal reach A where the reserved display does not change and remains white, and an effect is executed in normal reach B where the reserved display does not change and remains blue, it is easy to give the player the impression that if the reserved display does not change and remains white, it is difficult to expect a jackpot, and if the reserved display changes to blue, a jackpot can be expected more than if it remains white, but the expectation of a jackpot is not high.

In addition, when the first variation type counter CS1 is "101" to "150", if the second variation type counter CS2 is "0" to "120", a front-back miss super reach A is determined, and if the second variation type counter CS2 is "121" to "240", a front-back miss super reach B is determined. When the first variation type counter CS1 is "151" to "198", if the second variation type counter CS2 is "0" to "50", a front-back miss super reach C is determined, and if the second variation type counter CS2 is "51" to "240", a front-back miss super reach D is determined. As a result, if the reserved display TH changes to blue in super reaches A, B, and D, the expectation of a jackpot is not very high, but the reach performance can be shown to the player in a state of expectation of a jackpot until the end of the pattern change display, like super reach E. In Super Reach D, if the reserved display TH turns red, it becomes easier to see the reach effect when expecting a big win.

Next, if the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any of "209" to "238", the type of detailed fluctuation pattern is determined in the same way as when the stop pattern selection counter C3 is any of "202" to "208".

The variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed, and are also repeatedly updated during the remaining time in the normal processing. The buffer values of the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are then obtained during the start winning processing.

The size and range of each counter described above are merely examples and can be changed as desired. However, it is desirable to use different prime numbers for the jackpot random number counter C1, the stop pattern selection counter C3, and the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3, and to use numbers that are not synchronized under any circumstances.

As shown in FIG. 6, the second pattern random number counter C4 is used to draw the second pattern of the second pattern display device 41. The second pattern random number counter C4 is configured as a loop counter that is incremented by one within the range of "0" to "250", for example, and returns to "0" after reaching a maximum value (i.e., 250). The second pattern random number counter C4 is updated periodically (once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described below) and is obtained when the game ball passes through the second starting hole 34 on either the left or right side. There are 149 random number values that can result in a win, and the range is "5 to 153".

In particular, when the second symbol random number counter C4 goes around once, the value of the initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 at that time is read as the initial value of the second symbol random number counter C4. The initial value second symbol random number counter CINI2 is a loop counter (value = 0 to 250) similar to the second symbol random number counter C4, and is updated once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described later, and is repeatedly updated within the remaining time of the normal processing (see FIG. 14) described later. The second symbol random number counter C4 is updated periodically (in this embodiment, once for each timer interrupt (see FIG. 17) described later), and is stored in the second symbol reserved storage area of RAM 503 when the game ball passes through the second starting hole 34.

In other words, the RAM 503 also has a second symbol reserved storage area that is separate from the reserved ball storage area, and the second symbol reserved storage area is provided with one execution area for the second symbol and four reserved areas for the second symbol (second symbol reserved areas 1 to 4). Each of these areas stores the values of the second symbol random number counter C4 in chronological order according to the winning history of game balls into the second starting hole 34.

The second symbol missing pattern counter C5 is updated once each time the second symbol control process of the normal process in FIG. 14 described later is executed once, and its value is updated and acquired in the second symbol missing pattern buffer of the counter buffer, and when the second symbol random number counter C4 is stored in the second symbol reserved ball storage area, the second symbol missing pattern counter C5 updated and acquired in the second symbol missing pattern buffer is also stored in the second symbol reserved ball storage area. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the value of the second symbol random number counter C4 is a failure, the display unit 41b with "x" drawn on it is lit and displayed based on the value of the second symbol missing pattern counter C5 in the second symbol reserved ball storage area. Note that the second symbol missing pattern counter C5 may not be provided, and the second symbol variation display result may be performed based only on the second symbol random number counter C4. In other words, if the second symbol random number counter C4 wins, the display section 41a with a "○" is lit, and if it loses, the display section 41b with an "X" is lit.

Next, the pattern change display pattern selection table used by the display control device 45 described below will be explained with reference to FIG. 9. The pattern change display pattern selection table is set so that one pattern change display pattern is determined when one change pattern is determined. In other words, the display control device 45 is configured to execute background display with one pattern change display pattern when a display change pattern designation command indicating one change pattern is transmitted from the sub-control device 262.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be 8R normal jackpot normal reach A, B, pattern fluctuation display pattern 1 is determined. Pattern fluctuation display pattern 1 is set to display the main decorative pattern SZ when the fluctuation starts, is set to display the main decorative pattern SZ even during the reach display, and is set to display the jackpot combination with the main decorative pattern SZ even when the fluctuation is confirmed. In other words, pattern fluctuation display pattern 1 allows the player to recognize that the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed during normal fluctuation and normal reach display.

When the variation pattern is determined to be 8R high probability jackpot super reach A or B, the pattern variation display pattern 2 is determined. The pattern variation display pattern 2 is set to display the main decorative pattern SZ from the start of the variation to the start of the reach display, and then, when the normal reach develops into the development reach, it is set to change from the main decorative pattern SZ to the development pattern HZ at the time of the reach development, and then, it is set to display the development pattern HZ until the end of the re-variation (final variation), and after the result of the reach development performance is displayed as a jackpot combination in the development pattern HZ, it is set to return to the main decorative pattern SZ and display that it is a jackpot combination when the variation is confirmed. Also, when the variation pattern is determined to be 8R high probability jackpot super reach C or D, the pattern variation display pattern 3 is determined. The pattern change display pattern 3 is set to display the main decorative pattern SZ from the start of the change to the start of the reach display, and then, when the reach develops, it is set to change from the main decorative pattern SZ to the development pattern HZ, and then, it is set to display the development pattern HZ until the second re-change (final change) is completed, and after the development pattern HZ shows that the result of the reach development performance is a jackpot combination, it is set to return to the main decorative pattern SZ when the change is confirmed, and to display that it is a jackpot combination with the main decorative pattern SZ. This allows the player to recognize that even if the main decorative pattern SZ changes to the development pattern HZ during the reach display, the main decorative pattern SZ will return to the main decorative pattern SZ when the change is confirmed.

When the variation pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win super reach E, the pattern variation display pattern 4 is decided. The pattern variation display pattern 4 is set to display the main decorative pattern SZ from the start of variation to the start of reach display, and is set to change from the main decorative pattern SZ to the development pattern HZ at the time of reach development when the reach develops from the normal reach to the development reach, and is then set to display the development pattern HZ until the end of the second re-variation (final variation). In the final variation, the result of the reach development performance is a super reach miss is displayed by the development pattern HZ, and then the main decorative pattern SZ is set to display the super reach miss. After the super reach miss is displayed by the main decorative pattern SZ, the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ is set to be restored. After the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ is restored, the development pattern HZ is set to display that the reach development performance is a jackpot combination. After the jackpot combination is displayed by the development pattern HZ, the main decorative pattern SZ displays that it is a jackpot combination. In this way, after the super reach miss is displayed in the development pattern HZ in the final change of the reach development performance, the super reach miss is displayed in the main decorative pattern SZ before the pattern change by the development pattern HZ is resumed. Therefore, unlike conventional re-change performances that simply display the super reach miss by the development pattern HZ in the reach development performance and then resume the pattern change of the development pattern HZ, it is possible to resume the pattern change of the development pattern HZ after giving the player a strong impression that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a super reach miss. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the revival performance in the pattern change display.

If the variation pattern is determined to be a complete miss A to F, it is decided that a miss display will be made in the pattern variation display pattern 8. The pattern variation display pattern 8 is set so that the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed from the start of the pattern variation display until it is confirmed, without going through the reach display.

If the fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal reach A or B with a miss before and after, it is determined that a miss will be displayed using pattern fluctuation display pattern 5. Pattern fluctuation display pattern 5 is the same as pattern fluctuation display pattern 1 described above during the entire fluctuation, but when the result of the reach performance is displayed (when confirmed), a miss combination is displayed using the decorative pattern SZ. If the fluctuation pattern is determined to be super reach A or B with a miss before and after, it is determined that a miss will be displayed using pattern fluctuation display pattern 6. Pattern fluctuation display pattern 6 is the same as pattern fluctuation display pattern 2 up to pseudo consecutive 1 in the reach development performance, but in the final fluctuation in the reach development performance, a reach miss combination using the development pattern HZ is displayed, and when confirmed, a reach miss combination using the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed. If the fluctuation pattern is determined to be super reach C or D with a miss before and after, it is determined that a miss will be displayed using pattern fluctuation display pattern 7. The pattern change display pattern 7 is the same as the pattern change display pattern 2 up to the pseudo consecutive 2 in the reach development performance, but displays a reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ in the final change in the reach development performance, and displays a reach-miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ when it is confirmed. In particular, in the pattern change display patterns 6 and 7, when a reach-miss is displayed with the development pattern HZ in the final change of the reach development performance, and a reach-miss is displayed with the main decorative pattern SZ when it is confirmed, the player is strongly impressed with the impression that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a reach-miss. As a result, the fact that a super reach-miss is displayed with the main decorative pattern SZ before the pattern change with the development pattern HZ is revived in the above-mentioned pattern change display pattern 4 can further strongly impress the player with the image that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a super reach-miss. In addition, pattern change display patterns 6 and 7 show a reach performance while maintaining the expectation that the pattern change display pattern will be like pattern change display pattern 4, in which the pattern change of the development pattern HZ is restored, until the final moment of the pattern change display when the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss, and a miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

Next, the hold display pattern selection table used by the display control device 45 described later will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. The hold display pattern selection table is set so that hold display pattern 1 is determined when variation pattern 1 is determined. In other words, the display control device 45 is configured to execute the hold display performance with hold display pattern 1 when a display variation pattern command indicating variation pattern 1 is transmitted from the sub-control device 262. Note that the hold display pattern in 8R special jackpot normal reaches A and B is the same as the hold display pattern in 8R normal jackpot normal reaches A and B, and the hold display pattern in 8R special jackpot super reaches A to E is the same as the hold display pattern in 8R normal and 16R special jackpot super reaches A to E. The hold display pattern in 8R special jackpot will be explained below.

If the change display pattern is determined to be a complete miss A to D, then hold display pattern 8 is set. Hold display pattern 8 is set so that the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4 are set to display white, and the hold display TH is set to display white from the start of the change due to the main decorative pattern SZ until the change is confirmed. This suggests that if the hold display TH displays white from the start of the change to the end of the change, then there is no possibility of a jackpot.

If the change pattern is determined to be 8R normal jackpot normal reach A, reserve display pattern 1 is determined. Reserve display pattern 1 is set to display white on the first to fourth reserve displays H1 to H4, and is set to display rainbow on the reserve display TH when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change. This makes it easier for reserve display pattern 1 to suggest to the player that the reserve display TH changing to rainbow when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change indicates that a jackpot has been confirmed. If the change pattern is determined to be 8R normal jackpot normal reach B, reserve display pattern 2 is determined. Reserve display pattern 2 is set to display white on the first to fourth reserve displays H1 to H4, and is set to change from white to blue on the reserve display TH when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change. This makes it easier for the player to know that although the reserved display TH in the reserved display pattern 2 may indicate a jackpot if it turns blue when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change, the reserved display TH remains blue, making it easier for the player to know that there is little chance of a jackpot.

When the change pattern is determined to be 8R high probability jackpot super reach A, the reserved display pattern 3 is determined. The reserved display pattern 3 is set to display white in the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4, and is set to display white in the reserved display TH from the start of the change of the main decorative pattern SZ until the end of the first re-change by the development pattern HZ, and is set to display rainbow at the start of the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ. This makes it easier for the reserved display pattern 3 to suggest to the player that the reserved display TH changes to rainbow at the start of the second re-change (final change) in the reach development performance is a confirmed jackpot. When the change pattern is determined to be 8R high probability jackpot super reach B, the reserved display pattern 4 is determined. The hold display pattern 4 is set to display white for the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4, and is set to display white for the hold display TH from the start of the change until the first re-change by the development pattern HZ ends, and is set to display blue at the start of the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ. This makes it easier for hold display pattern 4 to suggest to the player that if the hold display TH changes to blue at the start of the second re-change (final change) in the reach development performance, a jackpot may be reached, but if the hold display TH remains blue, the possibility of a jackpot is slim.

When the variation pattern is determined to be 8R probability change jackpot super reach C, the reserved display pattern 5 is determined. The reserved display pattern 5 is set so that the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 are blue, which has a higher probability of winning than white, and the reserved display TH is set to display blue from the start of the variation by the main decorative pattern SZ until the end of the second re-variation (pseudo consecutive 2) by the development pattern HZ, and is set to change from blue to rainbow at the start of the third re-variation (final variation) by the development pattern HZ. As a result, the reserved display pattern 5 can suggest to the player that the reserved display TH changes to rainbow at the start of the third re-variation (final variation) in the reach development performance, which is blue for the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 before the variation starts, is a jackpot confirmed. When the variation pattern is determined to be 8R probability change jackpot super reach D, the reserved display pattern 6 is determined. The hold display pattern 6 is set to display blue for the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4, and blue for the hold display TH from the start of the change by the main decorative pattern SZ until the end of the second re-change by the development pattern HZ (pseudo consecutive 2), and is set to change from blue to red at the start of the third re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ. This allows the hold display pattern 6 to suggest to the player that a jackpot may occur if the hold display TH changes to red at the start of the third re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, while the hold display H1 to H4, which are the hold displays before the change starts, are blue.

When the fluctuation pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win super reach E, the reserved display pattern 7 is decided. The reserved display pattern 7 is set to display blue in the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4, and is set to display blue in the reserved display TH from the start of fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ until the super reach miss is displayed by the development pattern HZ in the third re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ, and is set to display rainbow from the start of the display of the super reach miss by the main decorative pattern SZ after the super reach miss is displayed by the development pattern HZ in the final fluctuation of the reach development performance. As a result, even if the hold display pattern 7 is a color that suggests that the hold display TH is unlikely to become a jackpot combination by the time the display that the result of the reach development effect using the development pattern HZ is a reach miss ends, the reach effect can be shown while maintaining the expectation that a hold change like hold display pattern 7 (a change revival suggestion effect) will occur, until the final moment of the pattern change display when the result of the reach development effect using the development pattern HZ is a reach miss and a reach miss combination using the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal reach A with misses in front and behind, hold display pattern 8 is determined. Hold display pattern 8 is set to display white in the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4, and is set to display white in the hold display TH from the start of fluctuation until it is confirmed. As a result, hold display pattern 8 does not change the hold display TH from white at all, so it is possible to give the player the impression that if the hold display TH remains white during the reach display, it is a miss. When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal reach B with misses in front and behind, hold display pattern 2 described above is determined. In other words, hold display pattern 2 makes it easier to suggest to the player that there is a slight possibility of a jackpot just because the hold display TH changes to blue when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to fluctuate.

When the change pattern is determined to be the Super Reach A with a Missed Front and Back, the above-mentioned reserved display pattern 4 is determined. In other words, reserved display pattern 4 merely suggests to the player that if blue is displayed at the start of the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, it may result in a jackpot, but the possibility is small (a jackpot can be expected more than when reserved display pattern 2 is set). When the change pattern is determined to be the Super Reach B with a Missed Front and Back, the reserved display pattern 9 is determined. The reserved display pattern 9 is set to display white in the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4, changes to blue at the start of the change in the reserved display TH, is set to display blue at the start of the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern, and is also set to display blue when it is confirmed. As a result, the reserved display pattern 9 only displays blue at the start of the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, so there is only a slight expectation of a jackpot.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be the Super Reach C with a miss before or after, the above-mentioned reserved display pattern 6 is determined. Reserve display pattern 6 may also be set in the Super Reach D with a jackpot as described above. Super Reach D is more likely to be set when a jackpot occurs than when a Super Reach C is set when a miss before or after occurs. In this way, reserve display pattern 6 indicates to the player that there are more chances of a jackpot occurring than the reserved display patterns 2, 4, 8, and 9 described above, if the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4, which are the reserved displays before the fluctuation starts, are blue, and the reserved display TH changes to red at the start of the third re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be a super reach D with a miss before and after, the reserved display pattern 10 is determined. The reserved display pattern 10 is set to display blue in the first to fourth reserved displays, and the reserved display TH is set to display blue from the start of fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ to the third re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ to display a super reach miss, and to display blue until the reach miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. The reserved display pattern 10 is the same as the reserved display pattern 7 described above until the final fluctuation, but the reserved display pattern 10 is different in that the reserved display TH displays blue when the reach miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed after the result of the reach development performance by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed as a reach miss, whereas the reserved display pattern 7 is different in that the reserved display changes to rainbow color when the reach miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed after the result of the reach development performance by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed as a reach miss. As a result, the hold display pattern 10 is set to display blue in the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4, and even if the hold display TH displays blue from the start of the change by the main decorative pattern SZ until the super reach miss is displayed in the development pattern HZ in the third re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, the reach performance can be shown while maintaining the expectation that a hold change like hold display pattern 7 will occur until the final moment of the pattern change display when the reach miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

Next, the background display pattern selection table used by the display control device 45 described later will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The background display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 11 is set so that one background display pattern is determined when one variation pattern is determined. In other words, the display control device 45 is configured to execute background display with one background display pattern when a display variation pattern command indicating one variation pattern is transmitted from the sub-control device 262. The background display pattern selection table may be set so that one background display pattern selected by lottery from among multiple background display patterns is determined for one variation pattern. Below, the variation pattern of an 8R special jackpot will be described, but the same applies to the variation patterns of an 8R normal jackpot and a 16R special jackpot.

When the change pattern is determined to be 8R normal jackpot normal reach A, B, background display pattern 1 is determined. Background display pattern 1 is set to display the normal background when the change due to the main decorative pattern SZ starts, is set to display the normal background while the reach is displayed by the main decorative pattern SZ, and is set to display the normal background when the jackpot combination is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ. In other words, background display pattern 1 allows the player to recognize that the change due to the main decorative pattern SZ starts with the normal background when the change due to the main decorative pattern SZ starts, and ends with the normal background when the change due to the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed.

When the change pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win super reach A or B, background display pattern 2 is decided. Background display pattern 2 is set to display the normal background from the start of the change by the main decorative pattern SZ until the reach display starts, and then, when the normal reach develops into the development reach, it is set to change from the normal background at the start of the reach development display by the development pattern HZ to development background A if it is a jackpot super reach A, or development background B if it is a jackpot super reach B, and then it is set to display development background A or B until the re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ ends, and after a background indicating that the reach development performance will result in a jackpot is displayed with development background A or B when the jackpot combination is displayed by the development pattern HZ, it is set to return to the normal background when the jackpot combination is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ.

When the change pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win super reach C, D, background display pattern 3 is decided. Background display pattern 3 is set to display a normal background from the start of change by the main decorative pattern SZ to the start of reach display, and then, when the reach development display by the main development pattern HZ starts, it is set to change from the normal background to development background C if it is a jackpot super reach C, or to development background D if it is a jackpot super reach D, and then, it is set to display development background C or D until the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ ends, and when the jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed, a background indicating that the reach development performance will result in a jackpot is displayed with development background C or D, and then, when the jackpot combination by the decoration pattern SZ is confirmed, it is set to return to the normal background. This allows the player to recognize that background display patterns 2 and 3 start from the normal background when the change by the main decorative pattern SZ starts and return to the normal background when the change by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed, even if they change from the normal background to the development background during reach display.

If the fluctuation pattern is determined to be 8R special jackpot super reach E, background display pattern 4 is determined. The background display pattern 4 is set to display a normal background from the start of variation by the main decorative pattern SZ to the start of reach display, and then is set to change from the normal background to a development background D which is the same as the big win super reach D and the miss super reach D at the start of the reach development display by the development pattern HZ, and then is set to display the development background D until the second re-variation (final variation) by the development pattern HZ is completed, and after a background indicating that the result of the reach development performance will be a reach miss is displayed in the development background D when a reach miss combination is displayed by the development pattern HZ, the background is set to return to the normal background when a reach miss combination is displayed by the main decorative pattern SZ, and is set to display a background for a revival performance indicating that the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ will revive when the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ revives, and when it is displayed that the result of the pattern variation after the revival by the development pattern HZ is a big win combination, the background for a revival performance indicating that the result of the pattern variation after the revival by the development pattern HZ will be a big win result is displayed. And, when the big win combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed, the background is set to return to the normal background as displayed when the combination is confirmed as a reach miss. In this way, after the background indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss is displayed in the development background display of the final change of the reach development performance, before the background for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will be revived is displayed, the background is set to return to the normal background as displayed when the reach miss combination is confirmed. Therefore, unlike the background display in the conventional re-change performance in which the background indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss is displayed in the reach development performance and then the background for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will be revived is displayed, the background display can be made to strongly impress the image that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a super reach miss, and then the background for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will be revived can be shown to the player. This can improve the interest of the background display accompanying the revival performance in the pattern change display.

When the variation pattern is determined to be a normal reach with a miss before and after A or B, it is determined that the background display will be performed in background display pattern 1, as in the case where the variation pattern is determined to be an 8R normal jackpot normal reach A or B described above. When the variation pattern is determined to be a super reach with a miss before and after A to D, it is determined that the background display will be performed in background display pattern 2 or 3, as in the case where the variation pattern is determined to be an 8R or 16R special jackpot super reach A to D described above. In particular, in the case of a miss super reach A to D, a background indicating that the result of the reach development performance will be a reach miss is displayed in the development background in the final variation of the reach development performance, and when the reach miss combination is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ, the background returns to the normal background, so that the player is given a strong impression that the series of pattern variation displays have been confirmed as a super reach miss even when looking at the background display. In this way, before the background for the revival performance, which indicates that the pattern fluctuations due to the development pattern HZ will return in the above-mentioned jackpot Super Reach E, is displayed, the background display returns to the normal background that is displayed when a reach-miss combination is confirmed, which further impresses on the player the image that the series of pattern fluctuation displays has been confirmed as a Super Reach miss.

Next, the sound output pattern selection table used in the display control device 45 described later will be described with reference to FIG. 12. The sound output pattern selection table is set so that one sound output pattern is determined when one variation pattern is determined. That is, when a display variation pattern command indicating one variation pattern is transmitted from the sub-control device 262, the display control device 45 is configured to execute sound output during the variation display of the decorative pattern with one sound output pattern. The sound output pattern selection table may be set so that one sound output pattern selected by lottery from among multiple sound output patterns is determined for one variation pattern. Also, it may be set so that a sound output pattern is determined in association with the above-mentioned background display pattern. Sounds output by sound output patterns include sounds such as sound effects, music, and human voices.

When the fluctuation pattern is decided to be 8R normal jackpot normal reach A, B, sound output pattern 1 is decided. Sound output pattern 1 is set to output normal music at the start of fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ, set to output normal music during reach display by the main decorative pattern SZ, and set to output jackpot music notifying the confirmation of the jackpot when the jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. In other words, sound output pattern 1 can give the player the recognition that normal music is output during normal reach from the start of fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ, and that a jackpot confirmation sound (for example, music celebrating the jackpot or a voice celebrating the jackpot such as "Congratulations") is output when the jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. The normal music is a piece of music that livens up the game during normal fluctuation or when the standby screen is displayed. By dividing the normal music between during fluctuation display and non-fluctuation display, the player may be able to audibly distinguish whether the fluctuation display is on or off.

If the fluctuation pattern is determined to be 8R special jackpot super reach A or B, sound output pattern 2 is determined. The sound output pattern 2 is set to display normal music in accordance with the normal background from the start of the fluctuation due to the main decorative pattern SZ to the start of the reach display, and then, when the reach develops from the normal reach display to the development reach, the normal music is changed at the start of the reach development display by the development pattern HZ to development music A for the reach development performance corresponding to the Super Reach A if it is a jackpot super reach A, and to development music B for the reach development performance corresponding to the Super Reach B if it is a jackpot super reach B, and then, is set to output development music A or B until the end of the re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ, and when the jackpot combination is displayed by the development pattern HZ, a jackpot notification sound indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a jackpot (for example, if the reach development performance is a battle performance, a sound effect or music that is played when an ally character wins, or an ally character's catchphrase or a voice shouting victory, etc.) is output, and then, when the jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed, a jackpot confirmation sound is output.

When the fluctuation pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win super reach C, D, sound output pattern 3 is decided. Sound output pattern 3 is set to display normal music from the start of fluctuation by main decorative pattern SZ to the start of reach display, and then, when the normal reach display progresses to the development reach, at the start of the reach development display by the development pattern HZ, the normal music is changed to development music C for the reach development performance corresponding to the Super Reach C if it is a jackpot super reach C, and to development music D for the reach development performance corresponding to the Super Reach D if it is a jackpot super reach D, and then, development music C or D is set to be output until the second re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ is finished, and after outputting a jackpot notification sound indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a jackpot with development music C or D when the jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed, a jackpot confirmation sound is output when the jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. This allows the player to recognize that even if the normal music changes to development music A to D when progressing from a normal reach with the main decorative pattern SZ to a super reach with the development pattern HZ, a jackpot confirmation sound will be output when a jackpot combination is confirmed with the main decorative pattern SZ.

When the fluctuation pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win Super Reach E, sound output pattern 4 is decided. Sound output pattern 4 is set to display normal music from the start of fluctuation by main decorative pattern SZ until the start of reach display, and then, when the reach develops from the normal reach display to the developed reach, it is set to change from the normal music to development music D, which is the same as Super Reach D and Miss Super Reach D, when the reach develops by the development pattern HZ, and then, it is set to output development music D until the second re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ is completed, and when a reach-miss combination is displayed by the development pattern HZ, a miss notification sound (for example, After a sound effect, voice, music, or a line such as "Too bad" indicating that an ally character will lose is output, when a reach-miss combination is displayed by the main decorative pattern SZ, the development music is temporarily stopped in the same manner as when a reach-miss is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ described below, and after the output of the normal music is resumed, revival music indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will resume is output when the pattern change by the development pattern HZ resumes, and it is set so that a jackpot notification sound is output when a jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed, and a jackpot confirmation sound is output when a jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. In this way, after the miss notification sound is output in the development music output of the final change in the reach development performance, before the revival music is output, the development music is temporarily stopped in the same way as when the reach is confirmed to be missed by the main decorative pattern SZ (and the output of the normal music is also resumed), so the sound output also gives the player a strong impression that the series of pattern change displays has been confirmed as a super reach miss (and the resumption of the output of the normal music has led to a transition to a standby screen where normal music is output), and then the revival music can be played to the player. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the sound output accompanying the revival performance in the pattern change display.

When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be normal reach A or B with a miss before and after, sound output pattern 5 is determined in which normal music is output from the start of fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ during the normal reach display, and the normal music is stopped when the reach is confirmed to be missed by the main decorative pattern SZ. When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be super reach A to D with a miss before and after, normal music is output from the start of fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ during the normal reach display, and when the reach develops from the normal reach display to the developed reach display, it is set to change from normal music to development music A to D when the reach develops by the development pattern HZ, and then development music A to D is set to be output until the re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ ends, and when a reach-miss combination is displayed by the development pattern HZ, sound output pattern 6, 7 is determined in which development music A to D is stopped. When the fluctuation pattern is determined to be complete miss A to F, sound output pattern 8 is determined in which normal music is output during fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ, and the normal music is stopped when the miss is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ. In particular, in the case of Miss Super Reach A-D, in the sound output during the final change in the reach development performance, a miss notification sound is output along with the development music A-D, indicating that the result of the reach development performance will be a reach miss, and the development music is stopped as when a reach miss combination is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ, so that even when listening to the audio output, the player is left with a strong impression that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a Super Reach miss. As a result, by providing a period of time when the development music output is stopped, as when a reach miss combination is confirmed, before the revival music is output in the above-mentioned jackpot Super Reach E, the player can be further impressed with the impression that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a Super Reach miss.

Next, the control processes executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 13 to 20. The processes of the CPU 501 can be broadly divided into main processing which is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing which is started periodically (every 2 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing which is started by input of a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal). For ease of explanation, we will first explain the timer interrupt processing, the start winning processing executed in the timer interrupt processing, the look-ahead lottery processing executed in the start winning processing, and the NMI interrupt processing, and then explain the main processing.

Figure 17 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing, which is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261, for example, every 2 msec.

In FIG. 17, first, in step S601, the process of reading the various winning switches is executed. That is, the state of the various switches (except for the RAM erase switch 323) connected to the main control device 261 is read, and the state of the switch is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is saved.

Then, in step S602, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1 and cleared to "0" when the counter value reaches the maximum value ("599" in this embodiment), and the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 is incremented by 1 and cleared to "0" when the counter value is incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment). The updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is then stored in the corresponding buffer area of RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

Then, in the next step S603, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 are each incremented by 1, and are each cleared to "0" when they increment by 1 after their counter values reach their maximum values (in this embodiment, "599", "9", and "250", respectively). The updated values of each counter C1 to C3 are then stored in the corresponding buffer area of RAM 503 (see FIG. 6).

Then, in step S604, a start winning process is executed in response to winning at the first start port 33a and the second start port 33b. This start winning process will be explained later with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 18.

Then, in step S605, launch control processing is executed. Specifically, in the launch control processing, as shown in FIG. 4, when the launch permission signal S7 from the launch control device 312 is ON, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 outputs a launch control signal S8 and a ball feed control signal S9 to the launch control device 312, and game ball launch control is performed by the launch device 229. After performing the launch control processing in this manner, the CPU 501 temporarily ends this timer interrupt processing.

The start-up winning process performed by the main control unit 261 will be explained with reference to Figure 18.

In step S701, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the game ball has entered the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b based on the detection information of the actuation hole switch. If the game ball has entered the first start hole 33a or the second start hole 33b, the process proceeds to step S702, and if not, the process ends.

In step S702, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the number of pending balls N in operation of the first pattern display device 40 is less than the upper limit (4 in this embodiment). If the number of pending balls N is less than the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S703; if not, the process ends. In step S703, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 increments the number of pending balls N in operation by 1. In step S704, the main control device 261 converts the number of pending balls N incremented in step S703 into a pending ball storage area designation command, and sets it so that it can be output to the sub-control device 262 together with a pre-reading variable pattern designation command described later.

In step S705, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 obtains random numbers related to the winning or losing of the first symbol and the determination of the variation pattern of the third symbol. Specifically, the values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3 updated in step S603, and the variation type counters CS1 to CS3 are stored in the first free area of the first to fourth reserved areas in the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. 6.

In step S706, the main control unit 261 executes a pre-reading lottery process that is carried out prior to the fluctuation start process shown in FIG. 16 described above.

The advance reading lottery process will be explained with reference to Figure 19.

In step S711, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 performs a look-ahead lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot is reached at the time of storage based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Specifically, whether or not the result of the look-ahead lottery is a jackpot is determined based on the relationship between the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the mode at that time (whether it is in a special state or a normal state). The hit value of the jackpot random number counter C1 is as described above.

In step S712, if the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines that the result of the advance lottery is a jackpot, it determines which jackpot pattern will be selected, which corresponds to the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area.

In step S713, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines in advance the fluctuation pattern (jackpot presentation pattern) to be used when a jackpot occurs. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 checks the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 in that order, in the same manner as in the fluctuation start process described above, and determines in advance the fluctuation pattern.

If it is determined in step S711 that the result of the advance reading lottery is not a jackpot, in step S714, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets the result of the advance reading lottery to a stop pattern that will stop and display a losing pattern.

In step S715, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 predetermines the fluctuation pattern (miss performance pattern) to be used when a miss occurs, and sets the miss fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation pattern designation command. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 checks the values of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 in that order, and predetermines the fluctuation pattern.

In step S716, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines in advance the addition of the presentation time, that is, the addition of the presentation time of the big win variation pattern determined in step S713 or the miss variation pattern determined in step S715. More specifically, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, a variation pattern is determined in advance, including an increase in presentation time due to the decorative pattern (third pattern) of the middle decorative pattern row on the third pattern display device 42 sliding and stopping (an increase in the time until the decorative pattern of the middle decorative pattern row slides and is displayed stopped).

In step S717, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a fluctuation pattern designation command corresponding to the jackpot fluctuation pattern previously determined in step S713, or a fluctuation pattern designation command corresponding to the miss fluctuation pattern previously determined in step S505.

In step S718, if steps S712 and S713 have been passed, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative pattern designation command corresponding to the big win pattern of the first pattern display device 40 determined in step S712 (the "first specific win pattern," "second specific win pattern," or "non-specific win pattern"); if steps S714 and S715 have been passed, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative pattern designation command corresponding to the losing pattern of the first pattern display device 40 determined in advance in step S714.

In step S719, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a performance time addition designation command corresponding to the performance time addition previously determined in step S716, and ends this process.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the NMI interrupt process. This process is executed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like. This NMI interrupt causes the state of the main control device 261 at the time of the power outage to be stored in the backup area of the RAM 503.

In other words, when the power supply to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal S1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 501 in the main control unit 261. The CPU 501 then suspends the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt process of FIG. 20. The NMI interrupt process of FIG. 20 is stored in the ROM 502 of the main control unit 261. For a predetermined time after the power outage signal S1 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the main control unit 261 can execute its processing, and the NMI interrupt process is executed within this predetermined time.

In the NMI interrupt process in FIG. 20, in step S801, information about the occurrence of a power outage is set in the backup area. In this embodiment, a flag is set for the information about the occurrence of a power outage and the information is stored in the backup area.

Next, the main processing performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 will be described.
FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example of a main process executed by the CPU 501 in the main control device 261. This main process is started in response to a reset when the power is turned on.

First, in step S101, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes an initial setting process associated with power-on. Specifically, a predetermined value is set in the stack pointer. In step S102, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes a wait process, for example, for about one second, to wait for the sub-control devices (sub-control device 262, payout control device 311, etc.) to become operable. In the following step S103, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 permits RAM access.

Then, data backup processing is performed on the RAM 503 in the CPU 501. That is, in step S104, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the RAM erase switch 323 provided on the power supply monitoring board 261b is pressed (ON) or not, and if it is OFF, proceeds to step S105, and if it is ON, proceeds to step S113. In the following step S105, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether power failure occurrence information is set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether the power failure occurrence information flag is set or not). Also, in step S106, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates a RAM judgment value, and in the following step S107, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of power failure, that is, the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value in the working area address of the RAM 503. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether the keywords written in a specified area of RAM 503 are correctly saved.

As described above, in this pachinko machine 10, if you want to return to the initial state when you turn on the power, for example when the hall opens for business, you turn on the power while pressing the RAM clear switch 323. Therefore, if the RAM clear switch 323 is ON, the process moves to the initialization process of RAM 503 (step S113, etc.). Similarly, if the power outage information is not set or if a backup abnormality is confirmed by the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.), the used RAM area is cleared and the process moves to the initialization process of RAM 503 (step S113, etc.). That is, in step S113, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 clears the used area of RAM 503 to "0" and executes the initialization process of RAM 503.

In the next step S114, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a payout initialization command. In this manner, the payout initialization command is output to the payout control device 311 when the main control device 261 is initialized.

In addition, in step S115, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power-on command to the sub-control board 262a. This power-on command includes a command for identifying the type of pachinko machine, so that the sub-side, such as the sub-control board 262a or the display control device 45, can identify the type of machine based on the content of the command.

In addition, in step S116, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes initial setting of the CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit). In step S117, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interrupt permission and transitions to normal processing (see FIG. 14) described later.

On the other hand, if the RAM erase switch 323 has not been pressed, processing at the time of power recovery (processing at the time of power outage recovery) is executed, provided that the power outage occurrence information has been set and the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) is normal. That is, in step S108, the power outage occurrence information is cleared. In step S109, the CPU 501 of the main control unit 261 sends a payout return command to the payout control device 311 and instructs the payout control device 311 to start payout control. Details will be described later, but when the payout control device 311 receives the payout return command from the main control device 261, it returns and starts payout control.

In step S110, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sends a command to return the sub-control device to the game state at the time of power failure, and in step S111, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the initial setting of the CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit). Furthermore, in step S112, interrupt permission is set, and then the process proceeds to normal processing (see FIG. 14) described later. For example, even if a power failure occurs during normal processing, the process will be executed up to the last step of the normal processing (the "RAM access prohibited" step shown in FIG. 14) before entering the power failure state, so that after power is restored, the process will be executed from step S201, which is the first step of the normal processing.

Next, the flow of normal processing will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 14. In this normal processing, the main processing of the game is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S201 to S207 is executed as a regular process with a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S210 and S211 is executed in the remaining time.

In FIG. 14, first, in step S201, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 performs an external output process of transmitting output data such as commands updated in the previous process to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, it determines whether there is winning detection information, and if there is winning detection information, it transmits a prize ball payout command corresponding to the number of acquired game balls to the payout control device 311. In addition, in conjunction with the first pattern change display (change display of the first segment display section 40a) of the first pattern display device 40, the third pattern display device 42 also displays the change of the decorative pattern (third pattern), and when the first pattern display device 40 displays the change of the first pattern, a change pattern designation command, a decorative pattern designation command, a full stop command (confirmation command), etc. are transmitted to the sub control device 262 in the external output process.

In this pachinko machine 10, when the first symbol starts to change, a predetermined number (e.g., three) of commands are sent for each external output process of normal processing (i.e., three every 4 msec) in the order of change pattern designation command → performance command (a command for designating changes in change time, etc.) → decorative symbol designation command, and a full stop command is sent when the change time has elapsed. Also, after the first symbol starts to change, a predetermined number (e.g., three) of commands are sent for each external output process of normal processing (i.e., three every 4 msec) in the order of change pattern designation command → performance command → decorative symbol designation command, and a full stop command is sent when the change time has elapsed.

The variation pattern designation command is a command for designating the variation pattern of the decorative pattern (third pattern) that is variably displayed on the third pattern display device 42. The variation pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and then transmitted from the sub-control device 262 to the display control device 45. Based on the transmitted variation pattern designation command, the display control device 45 controls the third pattern display device 42 to display and execute the variation pattern of the decorative pattern.

The decorative pattern designation command is a command for designating whether the variable display performance of the decorative pattern (third pattern) on the third pattern display device 42 will be a 16R sure-variable jackpot, an 8R sure-variable jackpot, an 8R normal jackpot, or a miss. The decorative pattern designation command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and then transmitted from the sub-control device 262 to the display control device 45. The display control device 45 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 so that the display result of the variable pattern of the decorative pattern corresponds to the decorative pattern designation command transmitted (16R sure-variable jackpot, 8R sure-variable jackpot, 8R normal jackpot).

The all stop command is a command to instruct the stopping of the changing pattern of the decorative pattern (third pattern) displayed in a changing manner on the third pattern display device 42. The all stop command is transmitted from the main control device 261 to the sub-control device 262, and then transmitted from the sub-control device 262 to the display control device 45. Based on the all stop command transmitted, the display control device 45 controls the third pattern display device 42 to stop displaying the changing pattern of the decorative pattern.

The CPU 501 of the main control device 261 may also transmit a variation pattern designation command and a performance command (a command for designating a change in the variation time, etc.) to the sub-control device 262 during the external output process of the normal process (step S201). In other words, the time to be added to the variation time (the time added due to the sliding performance of the decorative pattern described above) is determined based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, and the performance command is used to appropriately indicate such an added time to the sub-control device 262. Therefore, after the first pattern starts to vary, a predetermined number of commands (e.g., three) are sent out each time the external output process of the normal process is performed (i.e., three every 4 msec) in the order of variation pattern designation command → performance command → decorative pattern designation command, and a full stop command may be sent when the variation time has elapsed.

Next, in step S202, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3. Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are each incremented by 1, and are each cleared to "0" when the counter value is incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value (198, 240, 162 in this embodiment). The updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of the RAM 503 shown in FIG. 6.

Next, in step S203 in FIG. 14, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 reads the prize ball count signal, payout abnormality signal, and lower tray full signal received from the payout control device 311. Then, in step S204, a first pattern change process is executed to cause the first pattern display device 40 to display the first pattern change. This first pattern change process determines whether a jackpot has occurred and sets the change pattern of the first pattern. However, details of the first pattern change process will be described later.

Then, in step S205, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes a large prize opening opening/closing process for opening or closing the large prize opening 32a of the variable prize winning device 32 in the large prize winning state. That is, the large prize opening 32a is opened for each round in the large prize winning state, and for each round, it is determined whether the maximum opening time of the large prize opening 32a has elapsed or whether a specified number of game balls have entered the large prize opening 32a. Then, when either of these conditions is met, the opening of the large prize opening 32a for that round is stopped and closed, and if there are remaining rounds, the opening of the large prize opening 32a is repeated for the remaining number of rounds.

In step S206, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the display control of the second symbol by the second symbol display device 41. In brief, on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second start hole 34, the second symbol random number counter C4 is acquired each time, and the second symbol is displayed variably on the display units 41a and 41b of the second symbol display device 41. Then, the second symbol is selected by lottery based on the value of the second symbol random number counter C4. When the second symbol is in a winning state, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 performs an opening process of the second start hole 33b, which opens the second start hole 33b on the lower side for a predetermined time, as shown in step S207. Although not described, the second symbol random number counter C4 is also updated by the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 17, like the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot symbol counter C2, and the stop pattern selection counter C3.

In addition, in step S208, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not power failure information has been set in the backup area of the RAM 503 (whether or not the power failure information flag is set). If the power failure information has not been set, the process proceeds to step S209, and if the power failure information has been set, the process proceeds to step S212.

Then, in step S209, it is determined whether the timing for executing the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the previous normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the timing for executing the next normal process, the initial value random number counter CINI1, the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2, and the variable type counters CS1 to CS3 are repeatedly updated (steps S210, S211). That is, in step S210, the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 are updated. Specifically, the initial value random number counter CINI1 is incremented by 1, and the counter value is cleared to "0" when it is incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value ("599" in this embodiment). Then, the updated value of the initial value random number counter CINI1 is stored in the corresponding buffer area of RAM 503. Similarly, the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 is incremented by 1, and is cleared to "0" when the counter value is incremented by 1 after reaching the maximum value ("250" in this embodiment). The updated value of the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 is then stored in the corresponding buffer area of RAM 503.

In addition, in step S211, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are updated (similar to step S202). Specifically, the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are incremented by 1, and are cleared to "0" when the counter values are incremented by 1 after reaching their maximum values (in this embodiment, "198", "240", and "162"). The updated values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 to CS3 are then stored in the corresponding buffer areas of RAM 503.

Here, the execution time of each process in steps S201 to S207 changes depending on the game state, so the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the initial value random number counter CINI1 and the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 using this remaining time, it becomes possible to randomly update the initial value random number counter CINI1 (i.e., the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) and the initial value second pattern random number counter CINI2 (i.e., the initial value of the second pattern random number counter C4).

Also, in step S208, if the power cut occurrence information is set and the process proceeds to step S212, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets interrupt prohibition. Next, in step S213, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 transmits a power cut notification command indicating that the power has been cut off immediately to the other control devices. Next, in step S214, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops outputting control signals. Next, in step S215, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 calculates a RAM judgment value and saves it in the backup area. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of the RAM 503. Next, in step S216, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 prohibits RAM access. After that, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the power being completely cut off and processing being unable to be executed.

Next, the first pattern change process in step S204 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

In FIG. 15, in step S401, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not a jackpot is currently being won. The jackpot includes the period during the special game displayed on the third symbol display device 42 at the time of the jackpot and the period during a predetermined time after the special game ends. In the following step S402, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the first symbol is being displayed in a variable manner by the first symbol display device 40. If the jackpot is not being won and the first symbol is not being displayed in a variable manner, the process proceeds to step S403, where the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not the number of pending balls N of the first symbol display device 40 is greater than "0". At this time, if the jackpot is being won or the number of pending balls N is "0", the process ends as is.

If it is not during a jackpot or when the first symbol is being displayed in a variable manner and the number of active reserved balls N>0, the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 subtracts "1" from the number of active reserved balls N. In step S405, a process is executed to shift the data stored in the reserved ball storage area. This data shift process is a process of shifting the data stored in the reserved areas 1 to 4 of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area in sequence, and the data in each area is shifted in the following order: reserved area 1 → execution area, reserved area 2 → reserved area 1, reserved area 3 → reserved 2 urea, reserved area 4 → reserved area 3.

After that, in step S406, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 executes the fluctuation start process. Here, the fluctuation start process will be explained in detail using the flowchart of FIG. 16. In step S501, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether or not there is a jackpot based on the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area. Specifically, whether or not there is a jackpot is determined based on the relationship between the value of the jackpot random number counter C1 and the mode at that time (whether it is in a special state or a normal state), and as mentioned above, in the normal low probability state, the winning value (2 balls) is "150,450" out of the values "0" to "599" of the jackpot random number counter C1, and in the high probability state, the winning value (4 balls) is "50,150,350,450".

When the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines that there is a jackpot, in step S502, it determines the jackpot pattern corresponding to the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area, i.e., which of the first to third symbols to be displayed on the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 should be selected. In other words, it determines the jackpot pattern ("first specific jackpot pattern", "second specific jackpot pattern", or "non-specific jackpot pattern") corresponding to the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 based on a table (not shown) that shows the correspondence between the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 and the patterns.

Next, in step S503, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines the fluctuation pattern (jackpot presentation pattern) at the time of the jackpot. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 checks the value of the jackpot symbol counter C2 and the values of the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the counter buffer of the RAM 503 in that order, without using the stop pattern selection counter C3, and determines the fluctuation pattern.

That is, based on the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2, it is determined whether the decorative pattern on the third pattern display device 42 is displayed in the "stop pattern 3" of a normal jackpot (non-specific jackpot), or whether the decorative pattern on the third pattern display device 42 is displayed in the "stop pattern 4" of a guaranteed jackpot (specific jackpot). The type of the "stop pattern 3" or "stop pattern 4" determined in this way is further determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1. In other words, a group of rough decorative pattern variation patterns, such as the reach type of the decorative pattern (third pattern) such as normal reach, super reach, premium reach, etc., is determined. Next, from the group of rough decorative pattern variation patterns determined in this way, one variation pattern is determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, a more detailed decorative pattern variation mode is determined, such as setting the elapsed time until the final stop decorative pattern (in this embodiment, the middle decorative pattern) stops after the reach occurs to a predetermined time. In addition, the following relationships in the case of a jackpot, that is, the relationship between the value of the jackpot pattern counter C2 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation pattern, and the relationship between the value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop pattern time, are each specified in advance by a jackpot table or the like.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S501 that the reel is not a jackpot, in step S504, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets the stop pattern to a losing pattern, i.e., a stop pattern that causes the first segment display section 40a of the first pattern display device 40 to stop and display the fourth symbol.

Next, in step S505, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines the fluctuation pattern (miss performance pattern) at the time of a miss, and sets the miss fluctuation pattern in the fluctuation pattern designation command. Specifically, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 checks the values of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the fluctuation type counters CS1 and CS2 stored in the execution area of the reserved ball storage area of the RAM 503 in that order, and determines the fluctuation pattern.

That is, based on the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3, it is determined which of the stop patterns to use: "Stop pattern 1" which is a "reach before and after" in which the final stop decorative pattern stops just one before and after the reach decorative pattern after the reach occurs in the third pattern display device 42, "Stop pattern 2" which is a "reach other than a reach before and after" in which the final stop decorative pattern stops other than before and after the reach decorative pattern after the reach occurs, and "Stop pattern 0" which is a "complete miss" in which no reach occurs. For example, if the determined stop pattern is "Stop pattern 1" which is a reach before and after, a variation pattern in which the reach type of the decorative pattern (third pattern) such as a normal reach or a super reach is specified is determined based on the value of the first variation type counter CS1, and a rough variation pattern group of the decorative pattern is determined. It is assumed here that a normal reach is determined. Next, from the group of normal reach variation patterns of the rough decorative patterns thus determined, another variation pattern is determined based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2. For example, based on the value of the second variation type counter CS2, a more detailed decorative pattern variation mode is determined, such as setting the elapsed time from the occurrence of a reach until the final stop decorative pattern (in this embodiment, the middle decorative pattern) stops to a predetermined time. Note that the following relationships in the case of a miss, that is, the relationship between the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 and the stop pattern, the relationship between the value of the first variation type counter CS1 and the variation pattern, and the relationship between the value of the second variation type counter CS2 and the stop pattern time, are each predefined by a table for misses, etc.

In this embodiment, one of the above-mentioned tables for losses is, for example, one that is adopted when the probability is low, the fluctuation time reduction function of the first pattern display device 40 is in effect, and the number of pending operations of the first pattern at the start of the fluctuation of the first pattern is "0", and when the value of the stop pattern selection counter C3 is "0 to 201", this corresponds to no reach (complete miss), "202 to 208" corresponds to a reach for a miss before or after, and "209 to 238" corresponds to a reach other than a miss before or after.

Next, in step S506, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines the addition of the presentation time, that is, determines the addition of the presentation time of the big win variation pattern determined in step S503 or the miss variation pattern determined in step S505. More specifically, based on the value of the variation type counter CS3, a variation pattern is determined that includes an increase in presentation time due to the decorative pattern (third pattern) of the middle decorative pattern row on the third pattern display device 42 sliding to a stop (an increase in the time until the decorative pattern of the middle decorative pattern row slides and is displayed stopped).

In addition, in step S507, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a fluctuation pattern designation command corresponding to the jackpot fluctuation pattern determined in step S503, or a fluctuation pattern designation command corresponding to the miss fluctuation pattern determined in step S505.

Next, in step S508, if steps S502 and S503 have been passed, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative pattern designation command corresponding to the big win pattern of the first pattern display device 40 determined in step S502 (the "first specific win pattern," "second specific win pattern," or "non-specific win pattern"); if steps S504 and S505 have been passed, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a decorative pattern designation command corresponding to the losing pattern of the first pattern display device 40 determined in step S504.

Next, in step S509, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a performance time addition designation command corresponding to the performance time addition determined in step S506, and ends this process.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 15, if step S402 is YES, i.e., the first symbol is being displayed while changing, the process proceeds to step S407, where the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 determines whether the change time of the first symbol has elapsed. This change time of the first symbol is determined based on the change pattern and the performance time addition determined as described above with reference to FIG. 16, that is, the change time of the first symbol is determined according to the change pattern of the first symbol, and when this change time has elapsed, step S407 is determined to be YES. If the change time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S408, and if the change time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S409.

Then, in step S408, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 updates the varying display of the first pattern on the first pattern display device 40. In other words, the varying display of the first segment display section 40a of the first pattern display device 40 is continued, and this process is terminated.

On the other hand, in step S409, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 stops the variable display of the first pattern and sets the stopped pattern of the first pattern to the display pattern. In other words, if a jackpot pattern (probable jackpot) is determined in step S502 of FIG. 16, after the variable display of the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40, this first segment display unit 40a is displayed as a stopped first symbol (meaning a probable jackpot (specific win)). If a jackpot pattern (latent probable jackpot) is determined in step S502 of FIG. 16, after the variable display of the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40, this first segment display unit 40a is displayed as a stopped second symbol (meaning a latent probable jackpot (latent specific win)). If a winning symbol (normal winning symbol) is determined in step S502 of FIG. 16, the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 changes and then displays the third symbol in the first segment display unit 40a (meaning a normal winning symbol (non-specific winning symbol)). If a losing symbol is determined in step S504 of FIG. 16, the first segment display unit 40a of the first pattern display device 40 changes and then displays the fourth symbol in the first segment display unit 40a (meaning a losing symbol).

Next, in step S410, the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 sets a full stop command to instruct the stopping of the changing pattern of the decorative pattern (third pattern) displayed in a changing manner on the third pattern display device 42, and then ends this processing.

Next, we will explain the payout control executed by the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311. Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the payout control device 311, which is started when the power is turned on and reset.

First, in step S901, the initial setting process associated with power-on is executed. Specifically, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the stack address and interrupt mode. In step S902, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 allows RAM access, and in step S903, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the external interrupt vector.

Then, in step S904, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 determines whether or not power failure information is set in the backup area of the RAM 513. Also, in step S905, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 calculates a RAM judgment value, and in the following step S906, it determines whether or not the RAM judgment value matches the RAM judgment value saved at the time of the power failure, i.e., the validity of the backup. The RAM judgment value is, for example, a checksum value at the working area address of the RAM 513. It is also possible to determine the validity of the backup based on whether or not a keyword written in a specified area of the RAM 513 is saved correctly.

Next, in step S907, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 performs the initial settings of the RAM 513 when power is restored. Specifically, when the main control device 261 is initialized, a payout initialization command is sent from the main control device 261 to the payout control device 311, and when the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 receives the payout initialization command from the main control device 261, in step S907, it performs the initial settings of the RAM 513 when power is restored. In other words, it initializes the RAM area and starts controlling the payout of game balls.

Therefore, if the RAM erase switch 323 is pressed (ON) when the power is turned on, the main control unit 261 is initialized and a payout initialization command is sent from the main control unit 261 to the payout control unit 311, and the CPU 511 of the payout control unit 311 performs initialization processing of the RAM 513 based on the payout initialization command from the main control unit 261.

Next, in step S908, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 performs initial settings of the peripheral devices of the CPU 511. Specifically, the CPU peripheral devices are timer control devices called CTCs (Counter/Timer Circuits), and the CTCs are set to a predetermined value to generate timer interrupts every 2 milliseconds (ms).

Next, in step S909, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 sets the interrupt permission and proceeds to the payout control process described below.

On the other hand, if no power outage information is set in step S904, or if a backup abnormality is confirmed based on the RAM judgment value (checksum value, etc.) in step S906, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 similarly clears all areas of the RAM 513 to "0" (step S910) and performs initialization processing (step S911).

Next, the flow of the payout control process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 22.

In FIG. 22, in step S1001, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 acquires and stores commands from the main control device 261. The commands stored here include 15 types of prize ball commands (15 types of prize ball commands for instructing the payout of 1 to 15 balls), a payout return command for instructing the payout control device 311 to start payout control, and a payout initialization command for instructing the payout control device 311 to initialize payout, totaling 17 types of commands.

In step S1002, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 determines whether or not a payout permission has been received. In other words, it determines whether or not a payout return command or a prize ball command has been received. In addition, in step S1003, the CPU 511 of the payout control device 311 checks a state return switch (not shown), and if it determines that a state return operation should be started, it executes the state return operation.

After that, in step S1004, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 executes the setting of the lower tray full state or the lower tray full/unfull state according to the change in the state of the lower tray 15. That is, the full state of the lower tray 15 is determined based on the detection signal of the lower tray full switch, and when the lower tray becomes full, the setting of the lower tray full state is executed, and when the lower tray is no longer full, the setting of the lower tray full/unfull state is executed.

In addition, in step S1005, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 executes the setting of the tank ball absent state or the tank ball absent release state according to the change in the state of the tank ball. That is, the tank ball absent state is determined by the detection signal of the tank ball absent switch, and when the tank ball is absent, the setting of the tank ball absent state is executed, and when the tank ball is no longer absent, the setting of the tank ball absent release state is executed.

Then, in step S1006, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 determines whether or not there is a condition that requires notification, and if there is, notifies the user via a 7-segment LED provided in the dispensing control device 311.

In steps S1007 to S1009, the prize ball payout process is executed. In this case, if the prize balls are not in a payout-disabled state and the total number of prize balls stored in step S1001 is not "0" (steps S1007 and S1008 are both NO), the process proceeds to step S1009 and the prize ball control process (FIG. 23 described below) is started. Also, if the prize balls are in a payout-disabled state or the total number of prize balls is 0 (either step S1007 or S1008 is YES), the process proceeds to the loan ball payout process.

Then, in steps S1010 to S1012, the loaned ball payout process is executed. In this case, if the loaned balls are not in a payout disabled state and a loaned ball payout request has been received from the card unit (steps S1010: NO, S1011: YES), the process proceeds to step S1012 and the loaned ball control process (FIG. 24 described below) is started. If the loaned balls are not in a payout disabled state or a loaned ball payout request has not been received (steps S1010: YES or S1011: NO), the subsequent vibration motor control (step S1013) is executed.

In step S1013, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 executes control of the vibrator 360 (see FIG. 2) (vibration motor control). Then, in step S1014, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 determines whether or not a power outage has occurred. If a power outage has occurred, the process proceeds to step S1015, and if not, the process returns to step S1001. In step S1015, the CPU 511 of the dispensing control device 311 sets information on the occurrence of a power outage, and in step S1016, creates a RAM judgment value. Then, the process enters an infinite loop in preparation for the power being completely cut off and processing being unable to be executed.

In the prize ball control process shown in FIG. 23, in step S1101, the payout motor 358a is driven to pay out prize balls. In the following step S1102, it is determined whether the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1103, where the payout motor 358a is driven to perform a retry process and a stop process for the payout motor 358a is performed, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 22.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1104, and it is determined whether the game balls are being counted normally based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game balls are not being counted normally, the process proceeds to step S1105, and the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and execute a stop process for the payout motor 358a, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 22.

Furthermore, if the game ball count is normal, the process proceeds to step S1106, where it is determined whether the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch has reached the total number of winning balls and the payout has been completed. If the payout has been completed, the process executes a stop process for the payout motor 358a in step S1107, and then returns to the payout control process in FIG. 22.

In addition, in the ball loan control process shown in FIG. 24, in step S1201, the payout motor 358a is driven to dispense the loaned balls. In the following step S1202, it is determined whether the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal based on the detection result of the payout rotation sensor. If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is not normal, the process proceeds to step S1203, where the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and a stop process for the payout motor 358a is executed, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 22.

If the rotation of the payout motor 358a is normal, the process proceeds to step S1204, and whether the game balls are being counted normally is determined based on the detection result of the payout count switch. If the game balls are not being counted normally, the process proceeds to step S1205, and the payout motor 358a is driven to execute a retry process and execute a stop process for the payout motor 358a, and then the process returns to the payout control process in FIG. 22.

Furthermore, if the game ball count is normal, proceed to step S1206, and determine whether the number of game balls counted by the payout count switch has reached the specified number of loaned balls (25 balls) and payout has been completed. If payout has been completed, execute the stop process of the payout motor 358a in step S1207, and then return to the payout control process in FIG. 22.

The above-mentioned NMI interrupt processing is also executed in the payout control device 311, and the state of the payout control device 311 at the time of power cut due to a power outage or the like is stored in the backup area of the RAM 513 by this NMI interrupt. Similarly, for a predetermined time after the power outage signal S1 is output, power is supplied from the power supply unit 541 so that the payout control device 311 processing can be executed. In other words, when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is cut off due to a power outage or the like, the power outage signal S1 is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 542 to the NMI terminal of the CPU 511 in the payout control device 311, and the CPU 511 interrupts the control being executed and starts the NMI interrupt processing of FIG. 20. The contents are as explained in FIG. 20.

Next, the main processing and normal processing of the sub-controller 262 will be described with reference to Figs. 25 and 26. Fig. 25 is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing executed by the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262, and this main processing is started in response to a reset when the power is turned on. Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the normal processing executed by the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262.

First, in step S1301, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes the initial setting process associated with power-on. Specifically, it performs port setting (port I/O switching and initial value output), timer setting (1 ms interval timer, LCD command strobe output timer), and interrupt setting (sub-command strobe interrupt).

In addition, in step S1302, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether the power-off process is incomplete. Specifically, it determines whether all of the lamps (annular illumination section 102, central illumination section 103, etc.) of the front frame set 14 of the pachinko machine 10 are turned off and whether the speaker is muted. If the power-off process is incomplete, the process proceeds to step S1304; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S1303.

Next, in step S1303, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub-controller 262 is destroyed, and if it is destroyed, proceeds to step S1304, and if not, proceeds to step S1307. In step S1304, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 performs a read/write check of the RAM area of the sub-controller 262. Then, in step S1305, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub-controller 262 is normal or not. If the RAM of the sub-controller 262 is normal, proceeds to step S1306, and if it is abnormal, proceeds to step S1312. In step S1306, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 writes data for checking RAM destruction for each area of the RAM 553, and sets the RAM destruction check data to determine that the RAM is destroyed if there is an abnormality in reading the data.

Then, in step S1307, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not the power has been turned on after being turned off. If the power has been turned on after being turned off, the process proceeds to step S1308; if not, the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1308, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 clears the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area. Specifically, the unprocessed RAM area is an area that stores information that would cause problems for the system if the data were cleared, and is an area for information that should be kept unless the RAM area is destroyed. Examples include a subcommand reception buffer and power-on information. When the main control unit 261 turns off the power and the sub-controller 262 is reset (when a power-off notification command is received from the main control unit 261), the RAM area other than the unprocessed RAM area is cleared.

In step S1309, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets interrupt permission. In step S1310, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the initial values of the RAM of the sub-control device 262. In step S1311, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the performance initialization flag to "1" and transitions to normal processing shown in FIG. 26.

In step S1312, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 issues a RAM abnormality notification and enters an infinite loop. For example, the notification may be made by turning on a specific lamp unconditionally.

As shown in FIG. 26, in step S1401, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not 1 ms or more has elapsed since the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S1402, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1410.

In step S1402, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs lamp output processing. Specifically, it performs lamp output in accordance with the changing pattern presentation of the decorative pattern (third pattern) on the third pattern display device 42.

In step S1403, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 issues a power-on notification. Specifically, the CPU 551 issues a power-on command for 30 seconds.

In step S1404, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a customer waiting performance. Specifically, it switches between titles and still images. In other words, it displays a so-called demo screen.

In step S1405, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a process of updating the display of the number of reserved items for the first pattern change. Specifically, this process of updating the display of the number of reserved items is a process for displaying the display corresponding to the reserved lamp 40c of the first pattern display device 40 on the third pattern display device 42 as well.

In step S1406, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring and performance processing. Specifically, this frame button input monitoring and performance processing is intended to perform model-specific performances in response to pressing of a frame button in pachinko machines equipped with frame buttons that can be pressed by the player (for example, the up selection button 71, down selection button 72, and performance button 80 shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, this processing is not necessary in pachinko machines that do not have such frame buttons.

In step S1407, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a lamp editing process. Specifically, the CPU 551 performs a process of editing the lamp lighting pattern that corresponds to (synchronizes with) the decorative pattern changing pattern presentation on the third pattern display device 42.

In step S1408, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs sound editing and output processing. Specifically, the CPU 551 performs processing to play a sound (output voice, music, sound effects, etc.) that corresponds to (synchronizes with) the decorative pattern change pattern presentation on the third pattern display device 42.

In step S1409, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a performance execution management process. Specifically, it performs time management to synchronize the lamps, sounds, and liquid crystal performance (the decorative pattern changing pattern performance on the third pattern display device 42).

In step S1410, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a process of updating the value of a random number that determines the decorative pattern variation pattern and the sound lamp performance to be performed by the third pattern display device 42. Specifically, this random number may take a value between "0" and "32767", for example, and may return to "0" when it reaches the upper limit value "37268".

In step S1411, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives a command from the main control device 261, it performs processing corresponding to each command.

Specifically, when the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives a variation pattern designation command from the main controller 261, it transmits a display command obtained by converting this variation pattern designation command to the display controller 45. The variation pattern designation command may be directly output. When the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives a decorative pattern designation command from the main controller 261, it transmits a stop display command obtained by converting this decorative pattern designation command to the display controller 45. When a notice command is generated in addition to the stop display command in the command conversion of the decorative pattern designation command, the notice command is also transmitted to the display controller 45. An example of this notice command is the presence or absence of a school of fish as a notice. When the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 receives a full stop command (confirmation command) from the main controller 261, it transmits the full stop command as is to the display controller 45.

In step S1412, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a command output process to output a command to the display control device 45, etc. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 transmits various commands, such as the display command and stop display command, to the display control device 45.

In step S1413, the CPU 551 of the sub-controller 262 determines whether the RAM of the sub-controller 262 has been corrupted. If the RAM has not been corrupted, the process returns to step S1401, and if the RAM has been corrupted, the process enters an infinite loop.

Here, the frame button input monitoring and rendering process of step S1406 shown in FIG. 26 by the sub-control device 262 will be described with reference to FIG. 27. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the frame button input monitoring and rendering process by the sub-control device 262.

The sub-control device 262 performs frame button input monitoring processing as shown in FIG. 27. Specifically, first, in step S1501, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs selection button input monitoring and presentation processing. Specifically, when the player is requested to operate the selection buttons 71 to 74 on the display screen 42a to indicate a predetermined selection, it is displayed that the predetermined selection will be made in response to the selection operation of the selection buttons 71 to 74 by the player.

In step S1502, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 monitors the effect button input and performs effect processing, and then ends this process. Specifically, when the player is requested to operate the effect button 80 on the display screen 42a to instruct execution of a specified effect, it is displayed that the execution of the specified effect is instructed in response to the player pressing the effect button 80.

Next, the performance execution management process of step S1409 shown in FIG. 26 by the sub-control device 262 will be explained using FIG. 28.

In step S1901, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs processing upon reception of a command to specify a read-ahead fluctuation pattern. The processing upon reception of a command to specify a read-ahead fluctuation pattern is described below. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the sub-control device 262 upon reception of a command to specify a read-ahead fluctuation pattern.

In step S1911, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not a command to specify a variation pattern for pre-reading has been received. If a command to specify a variation pattern for pre-reading has been received, the process proceeds to step S1912; if not, the process ends.

In step S1912, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not a reserved ball storage area designation command has been received. If a reserved ball storage area designation command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1913; if not, the process ends.

In step S1913, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 stores the currently received read-ahead variation pattern designation command in the reserved ball storage area designated by the reserved ball storage area designation command. The RAM 553 of the sub-control device 262 is provided with reserved ball storage areas that correspond to the reserved ball storage areas (execution area and first to fourth reserved areas) provided in the RAM 503 of the main control device 261. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 stores the received command in one of the first to fourth reserved areas designated by the read-ahead variation pattern designation command.

In step S1914, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 refers to the table for selecting reserved display patterns to determine the reserved display pattern that corresponds to the currently received pre-reading variable pattern designation command. In step S1915, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 converts the determined reserved display pattern into a reserved display command for display, and sets it so that this reserved display command for display and the reserved ball storage area designation command described above can be output to the display control device 45. This ends the process.

<Opening/closing mode (jackpot) display setting process>
Returning to the performance management execution process shown in Fig. 28, in step S1902, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs an open/close mode (big win) display setting process. This open/close mode (big win) display setting process will be described below with reference to Fig. 30.

As shown in FIG. 30, in step S2201, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received an opening command, it proceeds to step S2202, otherwise it proceeds to step S2203.

In step S2202, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets the display opening command.

In step S2203, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received an ending command, it proceeds to step S2204; otherwise, it terminates this process.

In step S2204, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets an ending command for display and ends this process.

<Variable display mode setting process>
Returning to the performance management execution process shown in Fig. 28, in step S1903, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a variable display mode setting process. This variable display mode setting process will be described below with reference to Fig. 31.

As shown in FIG. 31, in step S2301, if the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 has received a variation pattern designation command, it proceeds to step S2302, and if not, it proceeds to step S2308.

In step S2302, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes a process to shift the data stored in the reserved ball storage area provided in the RAM 553. This data shift process is a process to shift the data stored in the first to fourth reserved areas of the reserved ball storage area to the execution area side in sequence. Specifically, the data in each area is shifted in the following order: first reserved area → execution area, second reserved area → first reserved area, third reserved area → second reserved urea, fourth reserved area → third reserved area.

In step S2303, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display variation pattern designation command for displaying the decorative pattern variation corresponding to the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553 on the third pattern display device 42, and proceeds to step S2304. The display variation pattern designation command is a display command for executing the decorative pattern variation display in a variation pattern such as the jackpot normal reach A, B, jackpot super reach A to E, front and rear miss normal reach A, B, front and rear miss super reach A to D, non-front and rear miss normal reach A, B, non-front and rear miss super reach A to D, and complete miss A to F shown in FIG. 9 described above.

In step S2304, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display background display pattern designation command for displaying a background image behind the main decorative pattern SZ and the development pattern HZ on the third pattern display device 42 in accordance with the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553, and proceeds to step S2305. Specifically, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines background display patterns 1 to 5 using the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553 and the background display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 11, and converts the background display pattern determined from the background display patterns 1 to 5 into a display background display pattern designation command.

In step S2305, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a display balloon display pattern designation command for displaying a balloon image HD on the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 at a predetermined timing during the pattern change display in response to the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553, and ends this process. Specifically, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines a balloon display pattern using the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553 and a balloon display pattern selection table (not shown), and converts the determined balloon display pattern into a display balloon display pattern designation command. The balloon image HD is a character image inserted in the lower right of the front screen 42a. For example, when a reach is established by the main decorative pattern SZ, it is an image containing the characters "Reach!" or "Super Reach A" that notify the occurrence of a normal reach or various super reaches. Instead of a balloon image, a character image such as a person or an animal may be used.

In step S2306, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines whether or not a decorative pattern designation command has been received. If a decorative pattern designation command has been received, the process proceeds to step S2307; if not, the process ends. Instead of determining whether or not a decorative pattern designation command has been received, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 may determine whether or not it is time to end the variable time according to the received variable pattern designation command. In this case, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives a variable pattern designation command, it reads the variable time from the command, measures the variable time using a timer, and determines the end timing of the variable time.

In step S2307, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 sets a stop display command (confirmation command) to stop (confirm) the varying display of the decorative pattern displayed on the third pattern display device 42, and ends this process.

Next, the normal processing of the display control device 45 and the switching processing of the display mode, etc. will be described with reference to Figs. 32 and 33. Fig. 32 is a flowchart showing the normal processing of the display control device. Fig. 33 is a flowchart showing the switching processing of the display mode, etc. by the display control device.

As shown in FIG. 32, in step S3001, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs command input processing to input and process various commands transmitted from the sub-control device 262, and proceeds to step S3002. Examples of the various commands include a display command, a stop display command, a display opening command, a display ending command, a demo start command, and a symbol row change start command.

In step S3002, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs a process of switching the display mode, etc. (display of the pattern row variation, big win opening, big win ending, etc.), and proceeds to step S3003. Here, this process of switching the display mode, etc. will be explained using FIG. 33.

As shown in FIG. 33, in step S3101, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines whether or not a display command has been received. If a display command has been received, the process proceeds to step S3102; if not, the process proceeds to step S3103. The display command is a command sent from the sub-control device 262, and is a command to permit display on the third pattern display device 42 when the power to the pachinko machine is turned on, or a command to return the display mode of the third pattern display device 42 to the normal mode after the end of the jackpot round.

In step S3102, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 displays a normal screen on the third symbol display device 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the normal screen is a screen in which the main decorative symbol SZ and the secondary decorative symbol FZ are displayed in a stopped state in front of the normal background image in a manner that does not constitute a jackpot combination. The normal background image is stored in the video RAM 524 of the display control device 45.

In step S3103, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines whether or not a demo screen display command has been received. If a demo screen display command has been received, the process proceeds to step S3104; if not, the process proceeds to step S3105. The demo screen display command is a command received from the sub-control device 262, and is a command for instructing a switch from the normal screen to the demo screen when a predetermined time has elapsed without the player firing a game ball.

In step S3104, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 displays a demo screen on the third symbol display device 42. The demo screen is an image that introduces the game method and features, and is stored in the video RAM 524 of the display control device 45.

In step S3105, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines whether or not a display variation pattern designation command has been received. If a display variation pattern designation command has been received, the process proceeds to step S3106; if not, the process proceeds to step S3107.

In step S3106, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 to start varying the main decorative pattern SZ and the secondary decorative pattern FZ of the three decorative pattern columns L, M, and R shown in FIG. 5, and finally perform a varying display that stops and displays them. Specifically, the variable display control of the main decorative pattern SZ and the secondary decorative pattern FZ is a control that executes steps S3003 to S3007 described below.

In step S3107, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received a display opening command, it proceeds to step S3108, otherwise it proceeds to step S3109.

In step S3108, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 to start displaying a jackpot opening image. The jackpot opening image is an image that is displayed after the decorative pattern change display is confirmed as a jackpot combination, and is an image that celebrates the jackpot win. Furthermore, once the display of the jackpot opening is finished, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 continues by starting to display a jackpot round image. The jackpot round image is an image that is displayed during the jackpot round, and is, for example, a bonus image that can only be seen during the jackpot round. The jackpot opening image and the jackpot round image are stored in the video RAM 524 of the display control device 45.

In step S3109, if the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 has received an ending command for display, the process proceeds to step S3110; otherwise, the process ends. In step S3110, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the third symbol display device 42 to start displaying a big win ending image. The big win ending image is stored in the video RAM of the display control device 45.

Returning to FIG. 32, in step S3003, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines the stopping pattern, and proceeds to step S3004. Specifically, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines a predetermined stopping pattern from among a group of selectable stopping patterns determined by a display variation pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262. In the case of a jackpot variation pattern, the predetermined stopping pattern is determined from among odd or even patterns. In the case of a miss variation pattern, the predetermined stopping pattern is determined from among front and rear miss patterns, non-front and rear miss patterns, and complete miss patterns.

In step S3004, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines the variable display mode of the decorative pattern to be displayed on the third pattern display device 42, and proceeds to step S3005.

Specifically, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines the variable display mode of the decorative pattern corresponding to the variable pattern indicated by the display variable pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262. For example, if the command indicates jackpot normal reach A or B, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 34(a) described later is determined, if the command indicates jackpot super reach A or B, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 34(b) described later is determined, if the command indicates jackpot super reach C or D, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 34(c) described later is determined, and if the command indicates jackpot super reach E, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 34(d) described later is determined. In addition, if the command indicates a normal reach A or B with a miss other than front or rear, or a normal reach A or B with a miss other than front or rear, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 36(a) described below is determined, if the command indicates a super reach A or B with a miss other than front or rear, or a super reach A or B with a miss other than front or rear, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 36(b) described below is determined, if the command is a super reach C or D with a miss other than front or rear, or a super reach C or D with a miss other than front or rear, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 36(c) described below is determined, and if the command is a complete miss A to F, the variable display mode shown in FIG. 36(d) to (f) described below is determined. Each of the variable display modes described above is stored in the program ROM of the display control device 45.

In step S3005, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines the auxiliary performance (the display mode of suggestive images such as messages and speech bubble images HD to be provided to the player) and proceeds to step S3006. The suggestive images are images that suggest the possibility that the pattern variation display executed by the third pattern display device 42 will result in a jackpot combination.

In step S3006, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display image of the third pattern display device 42.

Specifically, when the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 displays a pattern change display image on the third pattern display device 42, the CPU 521 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 so that the pattern change display of the main decorative pattern SZ and the sub-decorative pattern FZ in each decorative pattern row L, M, R is finally stopped according to the stop pattern determined in step S3003 according to the change display mode determined in step S3004, as shown in Figures 37 to 43 described later. The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 so that a background image according to the display mode of the pattern change display is displayed behind the pattern change display image according to the display background display pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262. The background image includes a landscape image, a character image such as a person, an animal, etc., displayed behind the main decorative pattern SZ and the sub-decorative pattern FZ. In addition, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 controls the display of the third pattern display device 42 so that a balloon image HD is displayed in the lower right of the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 at a predetermined timing during the display of the changing patterns in accordance with a display balloon display pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262. The balloon image HD is displayed one or more times during one display of the changing patterns.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 also performs display image control to display a jackpot round image on the third pattern display device 42. If it is a jackpot round image, an image indicating the current round number is displayed along with a bonus image that is displayed during the jackpot round. In addition, if there is a resident image to be displayed on the third pattern display device 42, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 also performs display image control to display the resident image on the third pattern display device 42.

In step S3007, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs hold display control to execute hold display on the third pattern display device 42.

Specifically, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 executes processing corresponding to the hold display command for display received from the sub-control device 262. When the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 executes the hold display command for display received from the sub-control device 262, it reads out from the program ROM 552 and executes a hold display execution program corresponding to the hold display pattern indicated by the received hold display command for display. As shown in FIG. 10, the hold display execution program has predetermined execution patterns of hold displays in the first to fourth hold display areas and execution patterns of hold displays in the hold display areas.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 also performs a process to shift the reserved display displayed in the reserved display area each time the execution of the decorative pattern change display is completed. Specifically, when the execution of the decorative pattern change display is completed, the reserved display in the execution display area is erased, and the reserved display is shifted as follows: first reserved display area → execution display area, second reserved display area → first reserved display area, third reserved display area → second reserved display area, fourth reserved display area → third reserved display area. If the number of reserved balls is 0, a reserved display is displayed in the execution display area.

In step S3008, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs other processing, such as demo display.

In step S3009, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines whether or not 1 ms or more has elapsed since the start of normal processing. If 1 ms or more has elapsed, the process returns to step S3001; if not, the process returns to step S3008.

The time chart of the pattern change display executed by the display control device 45 and the time chart of various effects associated with the pattern change display are explained with reference to Figures 34 to 36.

Figures 34 (a) to (d) are time charts that explain the pattern change display in normal jackpot reaches A and B, and super jackpot reaches A to E.

The jackpot normal reach A and B shown in FIG. 34(a) are variation patterns corresponding to the pattern variation display pattern 1 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the variation time is 32 seconds. From the timing t1 when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to vary, the total variation starts, in which the main decorative patterns SZ of the left column L, center column M, and right column R all vary. From the timing t2, 10 seconds after the variation starts, the left column L and center column M of the main decorative pattern SZ stop in a combination indicating a jackpot, and the remaining right column R starts to vary, and a normal reach display begins. The jackpot normal reach A and B continue to display the main decorative pattern SZ during the reach display. At the timing t3, 30 seconds after the variation starts, the main decorative pattern SZ of the right column R stops to form a jackpot combination, and then at the timing t4, about 2 seconds later, the variation display of the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. This allows the player to recognize that during normal jackpot reach A and B, the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed during normal fluctuations and while the normal reach is displayed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 34(b), the jackpot super reach A and B are a change pattern corresponding to the pattern change display pattern 2 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the change time is 62 seconds. The change of the main decorative pattern SZ starts from timing t1, and the display of the normal reach of the main decorative pattern SZ starts from timing t2, which is the same as the jackpot normal reach A and B described above. The jackpot super reach A and B start the reach development performance at timing t2a, 15 seconds after the start of the change. At the start of the reach development performance, the main decorative pattern SZ is changed to the development pattern HZ for the reach development performance. In other words, during the reach development performance, the reach display of the left column L and center column M of the main decorative pattern SZ is replaced with the reach display of the development pattern HZ, and the right column R during the change continues to change as the development pattern HZ. This increases the player's anticipation of a big win when the normal reach with the main decorative pattern SZ switches to a reach development performance with the development pattern HZ.

At timing t2b, 40 seconds after the start of the fluctuation, the fluctuation of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R is stopped for about 0.2 seconds as a losing combination, and a re-flux performance is performed in which the fluctuation of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R begins again. The fluctuation of the reach development pattern from timing t2 to timing t2b is a pseudo-flux that does not display a confirmed display, and is therefore referred to as pseudo consecutive 1 below. The re-flux that begins at timing t2c is a fluctuation that displays a confirmed display as described below (hereinafter referred to as a final fluctuation). The re-flux is not limited to only the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R, but the development patterns HZ corresponding to the left column L and center column M may also be re-fluxed.

The final change occurs when the change of the right symbol of the development pattern HZ stops at a specified combination at timing t2i, 58 seconds after the change starts. After the jackpot combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed for two seconds, the jackpot combination of the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed at timing t3, 60 seconds after the change starts. At timing t4, when the jackpot combination of the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed for about two seconds, the change display of the main decorative pattern SZ is finalized. This allows the player to recognize that even if the jackpot super reach A and B changes from the main decorative pattern SZ to the development pattern HZ during the reach display, it will return to the main decorative pattern SZ when the change is finalized.

Next, the jackpot super reach C and D shown in FIG. 34(c) are a variation pattern corresponding to the pattern variation display pattern 3 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the variation time is 82 seconds. The variation from timing t1 to timing t2b is the same as that of the jackpot super reach A and B. In the jackpot super reach C and D, at timing t2b, 40 seconds after the start of the variation, a variation display (pseudo consecutive 1) is performed in which the variation of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R is stopped for about 0.2 seconds with a miss combination, and a re-variation performance is performed in which the variation of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R is started again. After that, at timing t2c, 60 seconds after the start of the variation, the variation of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R is stopped for about 0.2 seconds with a miss combination, and a re-variation performance is performed in which the variation of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R is started again. The change in the reach development pattern from timing t2b to timing t2c is a pseudo change that does not display a confirmed display, and since it occurs after pseudo consecutive streak 1, it will be referred to as pseudo consecutive streak 2 below. Note that jackpot super reach C and D, which have two consecutive pseudo consecutive streaks, are more frequently selected in the event of a jackpot win than jackpot super reach A and B, which have only one pseudo consecutive streak, and therefore can increase the player's chances of winning a jackpot.

The re-change that starts at timing t2c is the final change that displays a confirmation display as described below. In the final change, at timing t2i, 78 seconds after the start of the change, the change of the right pattern of the development pattern HZ stops at a specified combination. After the jackpot combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed for 2 seconds, at timing t3, 80 seconds after the start of the change, the jackpot combination of the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed. At timing t4, when the jackpot combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed for about 2 seconds, the change display of the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. This allows the player to recognize that even if the jackpot super reach C, D changes from the main decorative pattern SZ to the development pattern HZ during the reach display, it will return to the main decorative pattern SZ when the change is confirmed.

Next, as shown in FIG. 34(d), the jackpot super reach E is a change pattern corresponding to the pattern change display pattern 4 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the change time is 92 seconds. The change from timing t1 to timing t2c is the same as that of super reaches C and D. At timing t2c, 60 seconds after the change starts, a change display (pseudo consecutive 2) is performed in which the change of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R is stopped for about 0.2 seconds due to a miss combination, and a re-change (final change) is performed in which the change of the development pattern HZ corresponding to the right column R starts again.

In the final variation, at timing t2f 78 seconds after the variation starts, the variation of the right pattern of the development pattern HZ stops for about 2 seconds with a combination that is not in the reach. In the jackpot super reach E, after the combination that is not in the reach with the development pattern HZ is displayed for about 2 seconds, at timing t2g 80 seconds after the variation starts, the combination that is not in the reach with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed. In the jackpot super reach E, at timing t2h 82 seconds after the variation starts, the combination that is not in the reach with the main decorative pattern SZ is switched to a state in which the right pattern is changing with the reach combination with the development pattern HZ again. In other words, the variation with the reach combination with the development pattern HZ is revived.
The return of the variation in the reach combination with the development symbol HZ is displayed until timing t2i, 88 seconds after the variation starts. For the jackpot super reach E, the jackpot combination of the development symbol HZ is displayed at timing t2i, 88 seconds after the variation starts, and the jackpot combination of the main decorative symbol SZ is displayed at timing t3, 90 seconds after the variation starts. At timing t4 (not shown) when the jackpot combination with the main decorative symbol SZ is displayed for about 2 seconds, the variation display with the main decorative symbol SZ is confirmed.

In this way, in the case of the jackpot super reach E, after the super reach miss is displayed in the development pattern HZ in the final change of the reach development effect, the super reach miss is displayed in the main decorative pattern SZ before the pattern change due to the development pattern HZ is resumed. Therefore, unlike conventional re-change effects that simply display the super reach miss due to the development pattern HZ in the reach development effect and then resume the pattern change of the development pattern HZ, it is possible to resume the pattern change of the development pattern HZ after giving the player a strong impression that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a super reach miss. This makes it possible to increase the interest of the revival effect in the pattern change display.

Next, we will explain the time chart of various suggestive effects that are executed along with the changing display of the jackpot Super Reach E with reference to Figure 35.

The reserved display TH in the jackpot super reach E is changed according to the reserved display pattern 7 described with reference to FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 35(b). The reserved display TH is displayed in blue from the start of the change of the main decorative symbol SZ (from the timing when the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 are displayed if there are the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4), and this blue reserved display continues through the start of the reach display by the main decorative symbol SZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the reach display (pseudo consecutive 1) by the development symbol HZ in the reach development performance at the start of the reach display at the start of the pseudo consecutive 2 by the development symbol HZ at the start of the final change at the development symbol HZ at the start of the final change at the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the final change at the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of ... reach display at the end of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the final change at the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display at the start of the development symbol HZ at the start of the reach display The reserved display TH changes to rainbow colors at timing t2g when the display of the reach-miss combination of the development symbol HZ ends and the reach-miss combination of the decorative symbol SZ is displayed. This rainbow reserved display continues through timing t2i when the result of the variation revival by the development symbol HZ is displayed as a jackpot combination, timing t3 when the result of the series of pattern variation displays by the main decorative symbol SZ is displayed as a jackpot combination, and until the end of the fixed period from timing t3 when the display of the jackpot combination by the main decorative symbol SZ ends. As a result, for players who have seen or know of a reserve change based on reserve change pattern 7, the reserve change of the reserve display TH in the jackpot super reach E can be shown to a player who has seen or knows of a reserve change based on reserve change pattern 7, not only in the jackpot super reach E but also in variation patterns other than the jackpot super reach E, even if the reserve display TH is a color that suggests that it is unlikely to become a jackpot combination by the time the display that the result of the reach development performance by the development pattern HZ is a reach miss ends, and the result of the reach development performance by the development pattern HZ is displayed as a reach miss, and the reach performance can be shown while maintaining the expectation that a reserve change like reserve display pattern 7 will occur until the final moment of the pattern variation display when the reach miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

Next, in the background display pattern for the jackpot super reach E, as shown in FIG. 35(c), it is executed according to background display pattern 4 described with reference to FIG. 11. The background display is a normal background displayed at timing t1 when the decorative pattern SZ starts to change. The normal background is, for example, a landscape image that displays scenery such as nature or a cityscape. The background image may be a still image or a video that scrolls horizontally.

If the display before the Super Reach E jackpot variation display begins is a missing pattern display, the normal background will be displayed even when the missing pattern is confirmed, and if there are balls reserved for the next display variation, the display of the current Super Reach E jackpot variation will begin immediately after the missing pattern confirmation screen. If there are no balls reserved for the next display variation, the normal background with the missing pattern confirmed will continue to be displayed until the next display variation begins. In this case, the normal background will become a standby screen until the next display variation begins.

At timing t2a when the reach development performance using the development pattern HZ starts, the background display switches from the normal background to a reach development background that is different from the normal background. The reach development background is, for example, a confrontation image such as a confrontation performance in which an ally character and an enemy character face off in front of a landscape image for reach development. The confrontation image is usually set to content that allows the player to recognize whether the ongoing pattern change display is a miss super reach or a jackpot super reach. For example, a confrontation image corresponding to a miss super reach displays a defeat result in which the confrontation performance in which an ally character and an enemy character face off ends with the defeat of the ally character, and a confrontation image corresponding to a jackpot super reach displays a victory result in which the confrontation performance in which an ally character and an enemy character face off ends with the victory of the ally character.

The reach development background (battle image) corresponding to the jackpot super reach E has a first battle image in which an ally character faces off against an enemy character displayed at timing t2a when pseudo consecutive 1 due to the development pattern HZ starts, a first defeat-colored image in which the ally character is likely to lose to the enemy character in the first battle displayed at timing t2b when pseudo consecutive 1 indicates a reach miss, a second battle image in which the ally character faces off against the enemy character displayed 0.2 seconds after timing t2b when pseudo consecutive 2 due to the development pattern HZ starts, a second defeat-colored image in which the ally character is likely to lose to the enemy character in the second battle displayed at timing t2c when pseudo consecutive 2 indicates a reach miss, a third battle image in which the ally character faces off against the enemy character displayed 0.2 seconds after timing t2c when the final fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ starts, and a third defeat-colored image in which the ally character is likely to lose to the enemy character in the third battle displayed at timing t2f when the final fluctuation indicates a reach miss. At timing t2g when the main decorative pattern SZ combination that is out of reach is displayed, the third defeat color image is returned to the normal background (initial normal background) that is the same as the landscape image that was displayed behind the main decorative pattern SZ arranged in a different combination from the jackpot combination at the start of this pattern change display. This initial normal background makes the player believe that the result of this pattern change display has been confirmed as out of reach. At timing t2h when the change due to the decorative pattern SZ is restored, this initial normal background is switched to a revival background image in which the ally character that the player thought had lost to the enemy character in the third defeat color image revives and wins against the enemy character. The revival background image is returned to the initial normal background again at timing t3 when the display of the jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ ends as a result of the revival change. This second initial normal background makes it possible to inform the player that the result of this pattern change display has been confirmed as a jackpot combination.

In this way, the background display in the jackpot Super Reach E is set to return to the normal background that is displayed when a reach-miss combination is confirmed, after the background indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss is displayed in the development background display of the final change of the reach development performance, and before the background for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will return is displayed. Therefore, unlike the background display in the conventional re-change performance in which the background indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss is displayed in the reach development performance, and then the background for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will return is displayed, the background display gives the player a strong impression that the series of pattern change displays have been confirmed as a super reach miss, and then the background for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will return can be shown to the player. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the background display accompanying the revival performance in the pattern change display.

Next, sound output during the jackpot super reach E is executed according to sound output pattern 4 described with reference to FIG. 12, as shown in FIG. 35(d). For sound output during the jackpot super reach E, normal music, which is music played while the main decorative pattern SZ is changing, is output at timing t1 when the display of the main decorative pattern SZ begins. The normal music is also output during the reach display by the main decorative pattern SZ.

At timing t2a when the reach development performance starts, the normal music is switched to reach development music D, which is different from the normal music and is played during the reach development performance. The reach development music D is music that makes the player realize that the reach display has developed from a normal reach to a reach (super reach) with a high probability of winning. The reach development music D also includes battle music that is played in accordance with the battle between the ally character and the enemy character that takes place in the reach development background described above, and sounds that make the player realize the outcome of the battle, such as the screams of the losing character and the catchphrase of the winning character. The reach development music D is played in accordance with the battle music at timing t2f when a reach-miss combination is displayed in the final variation by the development pattern HZ, and includes the screams of the ally character and the catchphrase of the enemy character. This makes it possible for the player to recognize that the result of the reach development performance ends with a reach-miss. The reach development music D is temporarily stopped at timing t2g when the reach miss combination of the main decorative symbols SZ is displayed, and then the normal music is resumed. This allows the player to recognize that this symbol change display is a miss pattern such as super reach miss C or D, and that after the reach miss is confirmed at this point, the player has moved to a standby screen where the normal music will resume.

At timing t2h, the sound output is revival music that is different from the normal music and reach development music and is played during the revival performance. The revival music is music that is played in conjunction with the image of an ally character reviving and defeating an enemy character in the above-mentioned revival background, or the ally character's catchphrase. The revival music is output until timing t3, when the display that the result of the revival fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ is a jackpot combination ends, and is stopped at timing t3. This allows the player to recognize that the result of the fluctuation display of the main decorative pattern SZ has confirmed the jackpot combination.

In this way, in the sound output of the big win super reach E, after the sound indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss is output in the sound output of the reach development music D of the final change of the reach development performance, before the sound for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will resume is output, the development music is stopped once as when the reach miss is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ, and then the normal music is resumed. Therefore, unlike the sound output in the conventional re-change performance in which a sound effect or voice sound indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss is output during the output of the development music in the reach development performance, and then the music for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will resume is output, the sound output also strongly impresses on the player the image that the series of pattern change display has been confirmed as a super reach miss and has transitioned to a standby screen or normal screen where the normal music is resumed, and then the music for the revival performance indicating that the pattern change by the development pattern HZ will resume can be heard by the player. This makes it possible to improve the interest of the sound output performance in the pattern change display accompanying the revival performance.

Next, the display of the missing patterns will be explained with reference to Figure 36. Figures 36(a) to (f) are time charts that explain the display of the patterns in normal reaches A and B with a missing pattern in front or behind, or a missing pattern other than front or behind, super reaches A to D with a missing pattern in front or behind, or a missing pattern other than front or behind, and complete misses A to F.

As shown in Figures 36(d) to (f), the change patterns A to F for complete misses are change patterns that are executed according to the pattern change display pattern 5 described with reference to Figure 9, and the change times are different, 12 seconds, 22 seconds, and 32 seconds, but none of them go through a reach, so it is difficult to make the player expect a big win.

As shown in FIG. 36(a), the normal reach A and B with misses before and after and the normal reach A and B with misses other than before and after are variation patterns executed according to the pattern variation display pattern 1 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the variation time is 32 seconds. In the normal reach A and B with misses, the result of the normal reach with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed as a miss combination at timing t3 when the result of the normal reach with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed. Therefore, in the super reach A and B with misses, the player can expect a jackpot at least until just before timing t3 when the result of the normal reach with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

As shown in FIG. 36(b), the front and rear miss super reach A, B and the non-front and rear miss super reach A, B are a change pattern executed according to the pattern change display pattern 2 described with reference to FIG. 9, and the change time is 62 seconds. In the miss super reach A, B, at timing t2i 58 seconds after the start of the change, a reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the second re-change (final change) in the reach development performance, at timing t3 60 seconds after the start of the change, a reach miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed, and at timing t4 62 seconds after the start of the change, the display of the reach miss combination of the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. In the case of a miss super reach in a conventional gaming machine, if the reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is still displayed at the timing when the final change with the development pattern HZ ends, the reach performance cannot be shown in a state where it is expected to become a jackpot any more. In contrast to this, in this embodiment, as in pattern change display pattern 4 of the jackpot super reet E described above, a missed-reach combination is displayed as a result of the final change due to the development pattern HZ, and even after a missed-reach combination due to the main decorative pattern HZ is displayed, the change due to the development pattern HZ may return and result in a jackpot, so even in the missed super reet A and B, a reach performance can be shown in a state where players are hopeful that the change due to the development pattern HZ will return and result in a jackpot, up until timing t4, when the display of the missed-reach combination due to the main decorative pattern SZ, which is the final moment of the pattern change display, is confirmed.

As shown in Fig. 36(c), the forward and rear miss super reaches C, D and the non-fore and aft super reaches C, D are change patterns executed according to the pattern change display pattern 3 described with reference to Fig. 9, and the change time is 82 seconds. For the miss super reaches C, D, at timing t2i, 78 seconds after the start of the change, a reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the third re-change (final change) in the reach development performance, at timing t3, 80 seconds after the start of the change, a reach miss combination with the decorative pattern SZ is displayed, and at timing t4, 82 seconds after the start of the change, the display of the reach miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed. In this embodiment, like the pattern change display pattern 4 in the jackpot super reach E described above, a missed-reach combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed 80 seconds after the start of the change, and even after a missed-reach combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed 82 seconds after the start of the change, the change with the development pattern HZ may return and result in a jackpot, so even in the missed super reaches C and D, a reach performance can be shown in a state where players are hopeful that the change with the development pattern HZ will return and result in a jackpot, up until timing t4, when the missed-reach combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed, which is the final moment of the pattern change display.

Examples of the execution of each variation pattern in the pattern variation display of the third pattern display device 42 will be explained with reference to Figures 37 to 43. First, an example of the execution of the variation pattern for complete miss A will be explained with reference to Figure 37.

As shown in (a), if the previously executed variation pattern is a miss pattern, the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 displays a miss combination of the main decorative symbol SZ, and the normal background NH is displayed behind the miss combination. The screen on which the miss combination of the main decorative symbol SZ and the normal background HZ are displayed becomes the standby screen until the current complete miss A pattern variation display starts, and also becomes the start screen when the current complete miss A variation display starts. In the screen shown in (a), the hold display TH corresponding to the previous variation pattern, and if the hold is full, the first hold display HY1, the second hold display HY2, the third hold display HY3, and the fourth hold display HY4 (collectively referred to as the hold display HY) are displayed. For example, in FIG. 37, all of the hold displays HY are white. If the result of the previous pattern variation display is a complete miss or a normal reach miss, normal music continues to play. If the result of the previous pattern change display is a miss for the Super Reach, the reach development music corresponding to that Super Reach will stop when the previous pattern change display is confirmed, and then normal music will be played.

In the screen shown in (b), when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change, the reserved display HY is shifted one by one to the left. That is, the first reserved display HY1 shown in (a) is shifted to the reserved display TH, and the change display (full change) of the main decorative pattern SZ starts. Behind the full change, the normal background NH is displayed. In the screen shown in (c), the main decorative pattern SZ stops with a completely miss combination, and behind it, the normal background NH is displayed. The normal music continues to be played even after the result of the pattern change display is confirmed. Note that, if there is at least the first reserved display HY1 at the time the result of the pattern change display is confirmed, the normal music continues to be played thereafter, but if there is no first reserved display HY1, the normal music may be changed to non-changing music or silence. This allows the player to recognize that the pattern change display has been confirmed as a miss screen or a waiting screen.

Next, referring to Figure 38, we will explain an example of the execution of the variation pattern of normal reach A, which is a miss except for forward and backward.

The screen shown in (a) displays the start screen when the change display of this normal reach A starts. The screen shown in (b) displays the change display (full change) of the main decorative pattern SZ, and the normal background NH is displayed behind the full change. The screen shown in (c) displays the left column L and center column M of the main decorative pattern SZ stopped in a reach combination, and the right column R continues to change. The screen shown in (c) displays a balloon image HD of, for example, "Reach!" indicating that a normal reach has been established. The screen shown in (d) displays a reach miss screen, which is a reach miss combination that results from the change during the reach due to the main decorative pattern SZ, and the reach miss is confirmed. When the normal reach change pattern is executed, normal music continues to be played. This allows the player to recognize that the pattern change display has become a normal reach miss screen or a standby screen that notifies the player that the normal reach miss has been confirmed.

Next, we will explain an example of the execution of the variation pattern of the jackpot super reach B with reference to Figure 39.

As shown in (a), in the reach display of the main decorative pattern SZ of the jackpot Super Reach B, a speech bubble image HD of, for example, "Super Reach B" is displayed on the third pattern display device 42 to indicate that the reach display is a Super Reach B. The speech bubble image HD may be, for example, "○○ VS △△, showdown reach" indicating the performance content executed on the background screen of the Super Reach B. ○○ is the name of the friendly character, and △△ is the name of the enemy character. The enemy character in Super Reach B is enemy character B. The timing of displaying the speech bubble image HD may be the timing of the start of the reach development performance. The same applies to the following explanations. Normal music plays until the screen display in (a) ends.

The screen shown in (b) displays the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) due to the development pattern HZ, and the reach development background HH1 that constitutes the development background B, which displays the text image "Game! vs. Character B" and a first battle image in which the ally character faces off against enemy character B. In addition, the normal music is switched to development music B that matches the battle with enemy character B. The screen shown in (c) displays the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) due to the development pattern HZ that appears to be failing, and the reach development background HH1, which displays the text image "Too bad!?" and a first defeat-colored image in which the ally character is about to lose to enemy character B in the first battle image.

In the screen shown in (d), the reach fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 2, final fluctuation), and the text image of "One chance!" and the second confrontation image in which the ally character and the enemy character B confront each other are displayed in the reach development background HH2 constituting the development background B. The development music B continues to be played while the reach development background HH2 is displayed, but it may be replaced with music that matches the second confrontation image. At this time, the reserved display TH changes from white to blue. In the screen shown in (e), it is displayed that the result of the final fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is a jackpot combination, and the text image of "Good job!" and the victory image in which the ally character wins against the enemy character B are displayed in the reach development background HH2. At this time, a jackpot notification sound indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a jackpot (for example, a sound effect indicating that the ally character has won, or the voice of the ally character shouting "Good job", a catchphrase, or victory) is output together with the development music B. In the screen shown in (f), the big win combination with the development symbol HZ is displayed as a big win combination with the main decorative symbol SZ, and it is displayed that the series of pattern changes has been confirmed as a big win. At this time, instead of the development music B, music celebrating the big win or music (for example, a voice saying "Congratulations") is output as a big win confirmation sound.

Next, we will explain an example of the execution pattern of the forward/backward miss super reach B with reference to Figure 40.

As shown in (a), in the reach display of the main decorative pattern SZ of the super reach B with a miss, for example, a balloon image HD of "Super reach B" is displayed to indicate that the reach display is a super reach B, and the output of normal music continues. In the screen shown in (b), the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) by the development pattern HZ, the text image "Game! vs. character B" as the reach development background HH1, and the first battle image of the ally character facing off against the enemy character B by the reach development background HH1 are displayed, and the development music B is output instead of the normal music. In the screen shown in (c), it appears that the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) by the development pattern HZ is about to miss, and the text image "Too bad!?" and the first defeat color image are displayed as the reach development background HH1 in the first battle image.

In the screen shown in (d), the reach fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 2, final fluctuation), and the reach development background HH2 displays a text image of "One chance!" and a second battle image in which the ally character faces off against the enemy character D, and the output of the development music B continues. At this time, the reserved display TH changes from white to blue. In the screen shown in (e), the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 2) by the development pattern HZ is displayed in a reach-miss combination, and the reach development background HH2 displays a second defeat-colored image indicating that the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character B in the second battle image, and a text image of "Too bad!" that intensifies the impression of loss, and a miss notification sound indicating that the result of the reach development performance is a reach miss (for example, a sound effect, voice, music, or a line such as "Too bad") is output together with the development music B. In the screen shown in (f), the missed-reach combination using the development symbol HZ is displayed as a missed-reach combination using the main decorative symbol SZ, and the output of the development music B is stopped.

In this embodiment, as in the above-mentioned jackpot super reet E, after a miss-at-reach combination is displayed as a result of a re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, at the timing when a miss-at-reach combination by the decorative pattern SZ is displayed, the reserved display TH changes from blue to rainbow, and the change by the development pattern HZ is restored, resulting in a jackpot. Therefore, a reach effect can be shown in a state where the reserved display TH changes from blue to rainbow until the timing when the display of the miss screen of the main decorative pattern SZ shown in (f), which is the final moment of the pattern change display, ends, in which the player is expecting that the reserve display TH will change from blue to rainbow. Also, even if the reserved display TH does not change to rainbow in the miss screen of the main decorative pattern SZ shown in (f), the reach effect can be shown in a state where the player is expecting that the change by the development pattern HZ will be restored, resulting in a jackpot, until the final moment of the pattern change display.

Next, referring to FIG. 41, an example of the execution of the change pattern of the jackpot super reach D will be explained. Note that the pending display TH is displayed in blue from the start of the change of the main decorative pattern SZ.

As shown in (a), in the reach display of the main decorative pattern SZ of the jackpot super reach D, a balloon image HD of "Super Reach D" is displayed to indicate that the reach display is a Super Reach D, and normal music continues to be output. In the screen shown in (b), the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) due to the development pattern HZ and the text image "Game vs. Character D" and the first battle image in which the ally character faces off against the enemy character D are displayed as the reach development background HH1, and the normal music is switched to the development music D. In the screen shown in (c), it appears that the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) due to the development pattern HZ is about to miss, and the text image "Too bad!?" and the first defeat color image are displayed as the reach development background HH1 in the first battle image, indicating that the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character D.

In the screen shown in (d), the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ has resumed (pseudo consecutive wins 2), and in (e), the reach development background HH2 displays a text image saying "One chance!" and a second battle image in which the ally character faces off against enemy character D, and the output of the development music D continues. In the screen shown in (e), it appears that the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ (pseudo consecutive wins 2) is about to miss, and in the reach development background HH2, the second battle image shows that the ally character is about to lose to enemy character D, with a text image saying "Too bad again!" and a second defeat-colored image displayed.

In the screen shown in (f), the reach fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 3, final fluctuation), and the reach development background HH3 displays a text image of "One more chance!" and a third battle image of the ally character and the enemy character D facing off against each other, and the output of the development music D continues. At this time, the reserved display TH changes from blue to red. In the screen shown in (g), it is displayed that the result of the final fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is a jackpot combination, and in the reach development background HH3, a text image of "Yay!" and a victory image of the ally character defeating the enemy character D are displayed, and a jackpot notification sound is output together with the development music D. In the screen shown in (h), the jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed as a jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ, it is displayed that the series of pattern fluctuation displays have been confirmed as a jackpot, and a jackpot confirmation sound is output in place of the development music D.

Next, an example of the execution of the change pattern of the Super Reach D with a miss before or after will be explained with reference to Figure 42. Note that the pending display TH is displayed in blue from the start of the change of the main decorative pattern SZ.

As shown in (a), in the reach display of the main decorative pattern SZ of a super reach D with a miss, a balloon image HD of "Super reach D" is displayed to indicate that the reach display is a super reach D, and the output of normal music continues. In the screen shown in (b), the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) due to the development pattern HZ and the first battle image of the ally character facing off against the enemy character D in the reach development background HH1 are displayed, and the development music D is output instead of the normal music. In the screen shown in (c), it is displayed that the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) due to the development pattern HZ is about to miss, and the text image "Too bad!?" and the first defeat color image are displayed as the reach development background HH1, indicating that the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character D in the first battle image.

In the screen shown in (d), the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 2), and in (e), the reach development background HH2 displays a text image saying "One chance!" and a second battle image in which the ally character faces off against enemy character D, and the output of development music D continues. In the screen shown in (e), it appears that the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ (pseudo consecutive 2) is about to miss, and in the reach development background HH1, the second battle image shows that the ally character is about to lose to enemy character D, with a text image saying "Sorry again!?" and a second defeat-colored image displayed.

In the screen shown in (f), the reach fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 3, final fluctuation), and the text image of "One more chance!" and the third confrontation image of the ally character facing the enemy character D are displayed in the reach development background HH3, and the output of the development music continues. At this time, the reserved display TH does not change and remains blue, unlike the jackpot super reach D. In the screen shown in (g), it is displayed that the result of the final fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is a reach-miss combination, and the reach development background HH3 displays a third defeat image in which the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character D and a text image of "Too bad!" to intensify the impression of defeat, and a miss notification sound is output together with the development music D. In the screen shown in (h), the reach-miss combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed as a reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ, and the output of the development music D is stopped.

In this embodiment, as in the above-mentioned jackpot super reet E, after a miss-at-least combination is displayed as a result of the third re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development symbol HZ, at the timing when a miss-at-least combination by the main decorative symbol SZ is displayed, the reserved display TH changes from blue to rainbow, and the fluctuation by the development symbol HZ is restored, resulting in a jackpot. Therefore, a reach effect can be shown in a state where the reserved display TH changes from blue to rainbow until the timing when the display of the miss screen of the main decorative symbol SZ shown in (h), which is the final moment of the pattern fluctuation display, ends, in which the player is expecting that the reserve display TH will change from blue to rainbow. Also, even if the reserved display TH does not change to rainbow in the miss screen of the main decorative symbol SZ shown in (h), a reach effect can be shown in a state where the player is expecting that the fluctuation by the development symbol HZ will be restored, resulting in a jackpot, until the final moment of the pattern fluctuation display.

Next, an example of the change pattern of the jackpot super reach E will be explained with reference to FIG. 43. The pending display TH is displayed in blue from the start of the change of the main decorative pattern SZ.

As shown in (a), in the reach display of the main decorative pattern SZ of the jackpot Super Reach E, the reach display does not indicate that it is a Super Reach E, but rather shows that it is a Super Reach D, for example, a "Super Reach D" balloon image HD is displayed, and normal music continues to be output. In the screen shown in (b), the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) by the development pattern HZ and the first battle image of the ally character facing off against the enemy character D by the reach development background HH1 are displayed, and development music D is output instead of the normal music. In the screen shown in (c), it appears that the reach fluctuation (pseudo consecutive 1) by the development pattern HZ is about to miss, and the text image "Too bad!?" and the first defeat color image are displayed as the reach development background HH1, indicating that the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character D in the first battle image.

In the screen shown in (d), the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 2), and in (e), the reach development background HH2 displays a text image saying "One chance!" and a second battle image in which the ally character faces off against enemy character D, and the output of development music D continues. In the screen shown in (e), it appears that the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ (pseudo consecutive 2) is about to miss, and in the reach development background HH2, the second battle image shows that the ally character is about to lose to enemy character D, with a text image saying "Sorry again!?" and a second defeat-colored image displayed.

In the screen shown in (f), the reach fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ is resumed (pseudo consecutive 3, final fluctuation), the reach development background HH3 displays the text image "One more chance!" and an image of the third battle in which the ally character faces off against the enemy character D, and the output of the development music D continues. At this time, the pending display TH remains blue, just like the super reach D that misses before and after. In the screen shown in (g), it is displayed that the result of the final fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ is a reach miss combination, and the reach development background HH3 displays a third defeat-colored image in which the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character D and a text image of "Too bad!" that intensifies the impression of loss, and the development music D is output along with the miss notification sound.

In the screen shown in (h), the missed-reach combination with the development symbol HZ is displayed as a missed-reach combination with the main decorative symbol SZ, the reach development background HH3 is returned to the normal background NH, the output of the development music D is stopped, and it appears as if a series of pattern change displays have been finalized. In addition, after a short period of time has passed since the output of the development music D has been stopped, the output of the normal music is resumed, giving the impression that the screen is on hold until the next pattern change display begins. At this time, in the screen shown in (h), a specific hold change is made in which the hold display TH changes from blue to rainbow, indicating a confirmed jackpot. At this point, the player can recognize that the missed-reach combination with the main decorative symbol SZ has not been finalized, and the development symbol HZ change has resumed, resulting in a jackpot.

In the screen shown in (i), the reach fluctuation by the development pattern HZ is revived (resumed), a revival fluctuation screen including a text image of "Resurrection!" and an image of an ally character reviving and confronting enemy character D is displayed as the revival background HH4, and revival music is output. In the screen shown in (j), as a result of the revival of the reach fluctuation by the development pattern HZ, a jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ, a text image of "Resurrection Victory!" and a revival victory image showing that the ally character has come from behind and won against enemy character D are displayed as the revival background HH4, and a jackpot notification sound is output. After this, although not shown in the figure, the jackpot combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed as a jackpot combination by the main decorative pattern SZ, a display is displayed indicating that the series of pattern fluctuation displays have been confirmed as a jackpot, and a jackpot confirmation sound is output.

In this way, in the case of the jackpot super reach E, for a player who has seen or knows an example of the execution of the variation pattern of the jackpot super reach E, even if a defeat-colored image in which the friendly character is about to lose to the enemy character in the confrontation presentation is displayed together with a reach-miss combination as a result of the reach development presentation, even if the color of the reserved display TH suggests that it is unlikely to become a jackpot combination by the time the display that the result of the reach development presentation by the development pattern HZ is a reach-miss finishes, even if a reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed after a reach-miss combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed, the reach presentation can be shown while maintaining the expectation that a reserve change like reserve display pattern 7 will occur or that the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ will be revived and result in a jackpot, right up until the final moment of the pattern variation display when the display of the reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed.

The process of storing the jackpot random number counter C1 etc. in the reserved ball storage area performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 in the above-mentioned step S705 is an example of the judgment information acquisition means of the present invention. The jackpot judgment process performed by the CPU 501 of the main control device 261 in the above-mentioned step S501 is an example of the judgment means of the present invention. The above-mentioned third pattern display device 42 is an example of the display means of the present invention. The display variable pattern designation command setting process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 in the above-mentioned step S2303 is an example of the variable pattern determination means of the present invention. The variable display mode determination process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in the above-mentioned step S3004 is an example of the variable pattern execution means of the present invention. The reserved display pattern determination process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 in the above-mentioned S1914 is an example of the suggestion performance determination means and reserved change determination means of the present invention. The pending display control process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in S3007 described above is an example of the suggestion performance execution means and pending change execution means of the present invention. The pending ball storage area of the RAM 503 of the main control device 261 described above is an example of the storage means of the present invention.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the first embodiment, the main control device 26 has a CPU 501 that performs a process (S705) of storing the count values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot pattern counter C2, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2 used in the jackpot lottery in the reserved ball storage area by detecting an entry ball at the first start port 33a or the second start port 33b, and a jackpot determination process (S501) in the first pattern variation process that uses this count value to determine whether or not a jackpot will be obtained; a third pattern display device 42 that is capable of displaying a display performance including a pattern variation display from when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to vary until the main decorative pattern SZ stops in a combination that indicates the determination result by the jackpot determination process; and a winning variation pattern is determined from among a plurality of variation patterns that indicate the variation mode of the pattern variation display when the determination result indicates that the main decorative pattern SZ will stop in a winning combination, and a losing variation pattern is determined when the determination result indicates that the main decorative pattern SZ will stop in a losing combination. and a sub-control device 262 having a CPU 551 which performs a variation display mode setting process (S1903) for determining a special variation pattern when the determination result indicates that a variation revival (special variation) will be performed in which the main decorative pattern SZ is temporarily stopped by a winning combination and then the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination, and a display control device 45 having a CPU 521 which performs a pattern row variation start process (S3105) for causing the third pattern display device 42 to execute the pattern variation display according to the variation pattern determined by the variation display mode setting process, wherein the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a pending display pattern determination process (S1914) for determining a predetermined suggestive performance to be executed during the variation display of the main decorative pattern SZ from among a plurality of suggestive performances which suggest that the pattern variation display may be aligned in a winning combination, and the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs a pending display control process (S3007) for causing the third pattern display device 42 to execute the predetermined suggestive performance determined by the pending display pattern determination process. When at least the jackpot super reach E is determined in the above-mentioned pending display pattern determination process, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines to execute a variable revival suggestion effect (special suggestion effect) that suggests to the player before the variable revival is executed that the variable pattern determined in the variable display mode setting process may be the jackpot super reach E. Also, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 executes the variable revival suggestion effect determined by the pending display pattern determination process in the above-mentioned pending display control process between the determination of the jackpot super reach E and the execution of the variable revival.

According to this configuration, if a jackpot super reach E is determined, it is determined that a variation revival suggestion effect is to be executed. The variation revival suggestion effect is executed between the determination of a jackpot super reach E and the execution of the variation revival. As a result, if a player notices the variation revival suggestion effect and can understand the suggestion, he or she can realize that the determined variation pattern may be a jackpot super reach E before the variation revival is executed. Therefore, by noticing the variation revival suggestion effect, a player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of expectation that a jackpot super reach E has been determined from the execution of the variation revival suggestion effect until the variation revival is executed. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the display effect accompanied by a suggestion effect that suggests to the player the result of the judgment regarding the game. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A1) below.

The special variation is a revival jackpot variation (variation revival) in which the symbol variation display is stopped once for a losing combination, and then the symbol variation display is stopped for a winning combination. By noticing the revival jackpot presentation, the player can continue to watch the display presentation while maintaining a sense of anticipation that the variation pattern for the variation revival has been determined from the execution of the revival jackpot presentation until the execution of the variation revival. This type of configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A2) below.

Furthermore, "before the special variation is executed" refers to the timing from when the pattern variation display based on the jackpot super reach E is executed until the variation revival is executed during the pattern variation display, and "the period from when the jackpot super reach E is determined until the special variation is executed" refers to the timing from when the pattern variation display based on the jackpot super reach E is executed until the variation revival is executed. As a result, by noticing the variation revival suggestion performance, the player can continue to watch the display performance while maintaining a sense of expectation that the jackpot super reach E has been determined, from when the variation revival suggestion performance is executed during the pattern variation display based on the jackpot super reach E until the variation revival is executed. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the display performance during the pattern variation display. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A4) below.

The game also includes a reserved ball storage area having multiple reserved areas capable of storing the count values of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot pattern counter C2, and the variation type counters CS1 and CS2, and the third pattern display device 42 is capable of displaying a reserved display indicating that the pattern variation display based on the stored count value may match up in a winning combination when a count value is acquired in the reserved ball storage area, and the reserved display pattern determination process determines that, when the variation pattern determined by the variation display mode setting process is a jackpot super reach E, a variation revival suggestion performance is executed using the reserved display TH (reserved display) corresponding to the determined count value of the jackpot super reach E, and the reserved display control process executes a variation revival suggestion performance using the reserved display TH during the period from when the reserved display TH is displayed until when the variation display is displayed. As a result, the player understands that the reserved display TH may correspond to the jackpot super reach E by seeing the variation revival suggestion performance using the reserved display TH. As a result, after the player sees the variation revival suggestion effect using the reserved display TH, the player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of expectation that a jackpot super reach E has been determined, until the variation revival is executed during the pattern variation display corresponding to the reserved display TH. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described later in (A5).

The reserved ball storage area has an execution area in which a count value corresponding to the pattern change display executed by the third pattern display device 42 is stored, and when a count value is stored in the execution area, the third pattern display device 42 can display the reserved display TH, which suggests that the pattern change display based on the stored count value may match up in a winning combination, and in the reserved display pattern determination process, when a jackpot super reach E is determined, it is determined to execute a change revival suggestion performance using the reserved display TH corresponding to the jackpot super reach E, and in the reserved display control process, a change revival suggestion performance using the reserved display TH is executed while the reserved display TH is displayed. By visually recognizing the change revival suggestion performance for the reserved display TH, the player understands that the reserved display TH may correspond to the jackpot super reach E, and as a result, after visually recognizing the change revival suggestion performance using the reserved display TH, the player can continue to watch the display performance while maintaining a sense of expectation that the jackpot super reach E has been determined for the reserved display TH while the pattern change display based on the reserved display TH is being executed. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described below in (A7).

In addition, the winning variation pattern (jackpot super reach D) includes a normal variation in which multiple main decorative patterns SZ start to vary in front of the normal background NH displayed while the main decorative patterns SZ of the left, center, and right columns are not varying, a reach development variation in which the development pattern HZ of the right column varies in front of the reach development background HH1 to HH3 displayed during the reach of the development patterns HZ of the left and center columns after the normal variation, and a winning stop in which the main decorative patterns SZ of the left, center, and right columns align in a winning combination after the reach development variation, and a losing variation pattern (missing super reach D) includes a normal variation, a reach development variation, and a reach development variation in which the development pattern HZ of the right column aligns in a losing combination in front of the reach development background HH1 to HH3 after the reach development variation. The special variation pattern (jackpot super reach E) includes a normal variation, a reach development variation, a reach failure stop, and a variation revival (revival winning variation) in which the main decorative patterns SZ in the left, center, and right columns line up in a winning combination after the reach failure stop, and the pending display control process executes a variation revival suggestion performance when a jackpot super reach E is determined, after the reach failure stop with the development pattern HZ is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 and before the display of the failure stop with the main decorative pattern SZ in front of the normal background NH ends.

As a result, the variation revival in the pattern variation display executed in the jackpot super reach E is recognized by the player as a reach miss stop by the development pattern HZ and a miss stop by the decorative pattern SZ in the pattern variation display executed in the miss super reach D. The variation revival suggestion performance is executed after the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 and before the miss stop display ends in front of the normal background NH, so it is possible to suggest to the player that there is a high possibility of a winning combination being lined up during the period in which the pattern variation display ends with a miss pattern and the player is not aware that a revival performance will follow. Therefore, for players who have seen or know the jackpot super reach E, even if a reach miss stop such as not only the jackpot super reach E but also the miss super reach A to D is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 and then a miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background NH, it is possible to show a display performance including a pattern variation display with a variation revival while maintaining a sense of expectation that a variation revival suggestion performance will occur until the last moment of the pattern variation display. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the display effects, including the display of changing patterns with changing revival. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A8) below.

In addition, when a jackpot super reach E is executed, the manner in which a reach miss stop with the development pattern HZ is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3, and then a miss stop is displayed in front of the main decorative pattern SZ normal background NH is the same as the manner in which a miss stop with the development pattern HZ is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3, and then a miss stop is displayed in front of the main decorative pattern SZ normal background NH, when a miss fluctuation pattern such as a front-back miss super reach D or a non-front-back miss super reach D is executed. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described later in (A9).

With this configuration, a special pattern symbol change display such as a jackpot super reach E is actually being executed, but since this is the same as the manner in which the main decorative symbol SZ and the development symbol HZ change and stop in a miss super reach D, a specific reserve change can be executed that changes the reserve display TH to rainbow colors at the timing that the player recognizes as the end of the miss pattern symbol change display. As a result, the symbol change display can be shown to the player while maintaining a sense of expectation that a specific reserve change such as a jackpot super reach E will occur until the end of the symbol change display.

In addition, when a jackpot super reach E is executed, background images such as the normal background NH and development backgrounds HH1-HH3 that are displayed from when a reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 due to the development pattern HZ until a miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background NH are the same as background images such as the normal background NH and development backgrounds HH1-HH3 that are displayed from when a reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 due to the development pattern HZ until a miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background NH when a miss fluctuation pattern such as a front-back miss super reach D or a non-front-back miss super reach D is executed. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described later in (A10).

With this configuration, a special pattern symbol change display such as a jackpot super reach E is actually being executed, but since the same background image as the normal background NH and development backgrounds HH1-HH3 in a miss super reach D is displayed, a specific suggestion effect (special suggestion effect) can be executed at a timing that the player recognizes as the end of the miss pattern symbol change display based on the background image. As a result, even if the background image is such that the player can guess a miss pattern, the symbol change display can be shown to the player while maintaining a sense of expectation that a special reserve change such as a jackpot super reach E will occur until the end of the symbol change display.

The reserved display pattern determination process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines a predetermined reserved change pattern to be executed during the pattern change display from among a plurality of reserved change patterns in which a suggestive performance is performed multiple times during one pattern change display. The reserved display control process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 causes the third pattern display device 42 to display the predetermined reserved change pattern determined by the reserved display pattern determination process. The reserved change performed multiple times in the reserved change pattern including the specific reserved change that changes the reserved display TH to rainbow suggests that the specific reserved change in which the reserved display TH changes from blue to rainbow after the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 and before the display of the miss stop ends in front of the normal background NH is more likely to result in a winning combination of the main decorative pattern SZ than the reserved change (change from white to blue) that occurs before the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach development background HH1-3. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described later in (A11).

With this configuration, even though the symbol change display of the jackpot super reach E is actually being executed, it appears that the symbol change display of the miss super reach D is being executed, and the reserved change pattern executed during the symbol change display is limited to a reserved change (changing from white to blue) that is unlikely to result in a winning combination of multiple symbols, so that a specific reserved change can be executed in which the reserved display TH changes to rainbow color at a timing that the player recognizes as the end of the symbol change display of the miss super reach D, even if they infer it from the reserved change. As a result, even if the reserved change pattern is such that the player infers a losing pattern, the symbol change display can be shown while maintaining the expectation that a specific reserved change like the jackpot super reach E will occur until the end of the symbol change display.

The specific suggestive effect that changes the reserved display TH to rainbow colors is a specific winning suggestive effect that suggests that the main decorative patterns SZ in the left, center, and right columns will definitely line up in a winning combination. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A12) below. With this configuration, during the period when the pattern change display ends with a miss pattern and the player is not aware that a revival jackpot display will follow, it is possible to show the pattern change display while maintaining a sense of anticipation that the reserved display TH, such as a jackpot super reach E, will change to rainbow colors suggesting a confirmed jackpot until the end of the pattern change display.

In addition, the reserved display control process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes a specific reserved change that changes the reserved display TH to rainbow colors while a miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background NH in a pattern change display executed in a special variation pattern such as a jackpot super reach E. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A13) below. With this configuration, when a miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background NH in a pattern change display executed in a special variation pattern such as a jackpot super reach E, even when the pattern change display is recognized by the player as having ended in a miss pattern, a specific reserved change that changes the reserved display TH to rainbow colors is executed, so that even if the pattern change display ends in a miss, the pattern change display can be shown while maintaining the expectation that the reserved display TH such as a jackpot super reach E will change to rainbow colors indicating a confirmed jackpot until the end of the pattern change display.

In addition, the reserved display control process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 executes a specific reserved change that changes the reserved display TH to rainbow colors at approximately the same time that the background image displayed behind the reach-miss stop returns from the reach development background HH3 to the normal background NH in the pattern change display executed in a special variation pattern such as the jackpot super reach E. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A14) below. According to this configuration, when the background image displayed behind the reach-miss stop returns from the reach development background HH3 to the normal background NH in the pattern change display executed in a special variation pattern such as the jackpot super reach E, the pattern change display is recognized by the player as having ended in a miss pattern, but by executing a specific reserved change that changes the reserved display TH to rainbow colors at this timing, the pattern change display can be shown while maintaining the expectation that the reserved display TH such as the jackpot super reach E will change to rainbow colors indicating a confirmed jackpot until the end of the pattern change display.

In addition, the reserved display control process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 may execute a specific reserved change in which the reserved display TH is changed to rainbow color after the timing when the background displayed behind the reach-miss stop returns from the reach development background HH3 to the normal background NH during the display of the normal background NH in the pattern change display executed in a special variation pattern such as the jackpot super reach E. Such a configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A15) below. According to such a configuration, in the pattern change display executed in a special variation pattern such as the jackpot super reach E, after the timing when the reach development miss screen returns to the normal screen displaying the miss combination in the main decorative pattern SZ and during the display of the normal background NH, the pattern change display ends with a miss pattern, and the player is recognized as having entered a standby screen until the next pattern change display begins, but by executing a specific suggestion performance at this timing, the player can be given the impression that he cannot take his eyes off the pattern change display until the very end, and that something may still happen even when he thinks the pattern change display has completely ended. As a result, the pattern change display can be shown while maintaining a sense of anticipation for the pending display TH, such as the jackpot super reach E, to change to rainbow colors, indicating a confirmed jackpot.

The third symbol display device 42 can display a display effect including a symbol change display from when the symbol consisting of the number section SZa starts to change in a state where it is combined with a symbol consisting of the decorative section SZb corresponding to the number section SZa, until it stops in a combination that indicates the result of the judgment by the big win judgment process (S501). The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 executes a variation revival suggestion effect when the symbol change display stops in a state where the symbol consisting of the number section SZa indicating the super reach miss is combined with a symbol consisting of the decorative section SZb, after the symbol change display is in a reach development state where the symbols consisting of the multiple number sections SZa are aligned in a winning combination except for the symbol consisting of the remaining number section SZa, and the symbol consisting of the remaining number section SZa stops in a losing combination, in the above-mentioned pending display control process.

According to this configuration, after the symbol change display becomes a reach miss due to a miss combination of symbols composed of the number section SZa, when the symbol change display stops in a state where the symbol composed of the number section SZa indicating the super reach miss is combined with a symbol composed of the decorative section SZb, it is a timing that makes the player think that the miss combination of the symbol change display has been confirmed, or that it is a waiting period until the symbol composed of multiple number sections SZa is next combined with the decorative section SZb and starts to change, so it is possible to suggest to the player that the change pattern may be a special change pattern at a timing when the player does not think that a suggestive performance will be performed. In addition, after the symbol change display becomes a reach miss due to a miss combination of symbols composed of the number section SZa, until the last moment of the symbol change display when the symbol change display stops in a state where the symbol composed of the number section SZa indicating the super reach miss is combined with a symbol composed of the decorative section SZb, it is possible to show a display performance including the symbol change display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the change pattern is a jackpot super reach E. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the symbol change display accompanied by a suggestive effect that suggests to the player the results of the game-related judgment. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described below in (B1).

In addition, when the variation revival suggestion performance is determined by the reserved display pattern determination process in the reserved display control process described above, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 executes the variation revival suggestion performance from the time when the player can identify that the display mode (for example, the third defeat color image in which the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character and the text image of "Too bad!" that intensifies the impression of defeat in the reach development background HH3) is different from the display mode when the winning variation pattern is determined (for example, the text image of "Yay!" and the victory image of the ally character defeating the enemy character in the reach development background HH3) in the reach development performance after the reach is established in which the pattern variation display is a winning combination except for one remaining main decorative pattern SZ among the multiple main decorative patterns SZ, until the special variation is executed. Note that the reach development background HH3 may be recognized as a display mode different from the display mode when the winning variation pattern is determined in a character display performance using the ally character and the enemy character without using a text image.

According to this configuration, when the player is made to recognize that the display mode is different from the display mode when a winning variation pattern is determined in the reach development background HH3 in the reach development performance (for example, the third defeat color image in which the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character and the "Too bad!" text image that strengthens the impression of loss), it is the timing at which the player can think that the pattern variation display will not be a pattern when aligned with a winning combination, so it is possible to suggest to the player that the variation pattern may be a jackpot super reach E at the time when the player is about to give up. As a result, even from the time when the player is made to recognize that the display mode is different from the display mode when a winning variation pattern is determined in the display performance (for example, the third defeat color image in which the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character and the "Too bad!" text image that strengthens the impression of loss) until the variation revival is executed, it is possible to show the display performance including the pattern variation display while maintaining the expectation that the variation pattern is a jackpot super reach E. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest in the pattern variation display accompanied by the reach display performance that suggests the result of the judgment regarding the game to the player. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (C1) below.

Furthermore, when it is made possible for the player to identify that the display mode is different from the display mode when a winning fluctuation pattern is determined in the display performance after the reach is established, it is when specific display information that is made possible for the player to identify that the display mode is different from the display mode when a winning fluctuation pattern is determined in the reach development performance (for example, a third defeat-colored image in which an ally character is about to lose to an enemy character in the reach development background HH3 and a text image of "Too bad!" that intensifies the impression of loss) is displayed. With this configuration, when specific display information that is made possible for the player to identify that the display mode is different from the display mode when a jackpot fluctuation pattern is determined in the reach development performance (for example, a third defeat-colored image in which an ally character is about to lose to an enemy character in the reach development background HH3 and a text image of "Too bad!" that intensifies the impression of loss) is displayed, it is possible to suggest to the player that the fluctuation pattern may be a jackpot super reach E. Therefore, from the time when the player is made aware that the display mode is different from the display mode when a winning variation pattern is determined in the reach display performance until the variation revival is executed, a display performance including the reach display performance can be shown while maintaining the expectation that the variation pattern is a jackpot super reach E. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the pattern variation display accompanied by the reach display performance. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described later in (C2).

The specific display information described above is reach failure display information that allows the player to identify that the remaining symbol is aligned in a losing combination in the reach development performance (for example, a third defeat color image in the reach development background HH3 in which the friendly character is about to lose to the enemy character and a text image saying "Too bad!" that strengthens the impression of loss). According to this configuration, the specific display information is reach failure display information that allows the player to identify that the remaining symbol is aligned in a losing combination in the reach development performance, so that at the time when the player is disappointed when seeing the reach failure display information, it is possible to suggest to the player that the fluctuation pattern may be a jackpot super reach E. Therefore, even during the time from when the reach failure display information is displayed in the reach development performance until the fluctuation revival is executed, it is possible to show the display performance including the reach development performance while maintaining the expectation that the fluctuation pattern is a jackpot super reach E. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the symbol fluctuation display accompanied by the reach display performance. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (C3) below.

In Example 1, the specific suggestion effect was a specific hold change in which the hold display TH changed to rainbow colors, but in Example 2, the specific suggestion effect is different in that it is not a specific hold change, but a specific background change in which the background image NH displayed behind the main decorative pattern SZ on the normal screen (miss screen with the main decorative pattern SZ) changes to a special background image. Below, the differences from Example 1 are explained with reference to Figure 44. Also, refer to the above explanation and drawings as appropriate.

The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines background display patterns 1 to 4 using the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553 and the background display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 11, and converts the determined background display pattern into a background display pattern designation command for display, as shown in step S2304 of FIG. 31.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs display control of the background image to be displayed behind the main decorative pattern SZ and the development pattern HZ in the display image control process shown in step S3006 of FIG. 32 described above, in accordance with the display background display pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262.

The background change pattern determined when the jackpot super reach E is decided is background display pattern 4 as shown in FIG. 11. In this embodiment, background display pattern 4 is set to be switched to a specific normal background SNH that is at least partially different from the normal background NH displayed at the start of the pattern change display, at timing t2f when the result of the third re-change (final change) in the reach development performance is a reach miss due to the development pattern HZ as shown in FIG. 35(c), after the third defeat color image in which the ally character is about to lose to the enemy character in the third confrontation is displayed in the reach development background HH3, before the revival background HH4 indicating that the change due to the development pattern HZ is revived is displayed. The specific normal background SNH is, for example, a background image in which the color of the normal background NH displayed at the start of the pattern change display is replaced with rainbow colors that suggest a jackpot is confirmed.

An example of the execution of the jackpot super reach E in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 44. In FIG. 44, the explanation begins with the screen corresponding to FIG. 43(d).

In the third symbol display device 42, as shown in (a), the third re-change (final change) is started, and as shown in (b), a reach development failure image including the reach failure combination by the development pattern HZ in the final change of the reach development performance and the reach development background HH3 (third loss color image) is displayed for about 2 seconds, and then as shown in (c), the reach failure combination by the development pattern HZ is switched to a reach failure combination by the main decorative pattern SZ, and the reach development background HH3 (third loss color image) is switched to the specific normal background SNH. After the reach failure combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed on the specific normal background SNH, the pattern change by the development pattern HZ is resumed with the revival background HH4 as the background as shown in (d), the big win combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed with the revival background image HH4 as the background as shown in (e), and the big win combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed with the revival background image HH4 as the background as shown in (f).

In this way, in the jackpot super reach E of Example 2, for a player who has seen or knows an example of the execution of the variation pattern of the jackpot super reach E of Example 2, even if a defeat color image in which an ally character is about to lose to an enemy character in a confrontation presentation is displayed together with a reach-miss combination as a result of the reach development presentation, even if the pending display TH is a color suggesting that it is unlikely to become a jackpot combination by the time the display that the result of the reach development presentation by the development pattern HZ is a reach-miss ends, even if a reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed after a reach-miss combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed, the reach presentation can be shown in a state where the player maintains the expectation that the specific normal background SNH will be displayed and that the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ will be revived and result in a jackpot until the final moment of the pattern variation display when the display of the reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed.

The display background display pattern designation command setting process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 in step S2304 described above is an example of the background composition image determination means of the present invention. The display image control process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in step S3006 described above is an example of the background composition image display execution means.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment 2, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 is provided with a background composition image determination function (display background display pattern designation command setting process (S2304)) that determines a predetermined background composition image from among a plurality of background composition images, which are images that suggest that a plurality of symbols may line up in a winning combination and that constitute the rear side of a plurality of symbols, and the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 is provided with a background composition image display execution function (display image control process (S3006)) that causes the third pattern display device 42 to display images that constitute the predetermined background composition image determined by the background composition image function, and the background composition image determination function determines, at least when a jackpot super reach E is determined, to display a specific normal background SNH (specific background composition image) that suggests that there is a high possibility that the development pattern HZ will line up in a jackpot combination among the plurality of background composition images during the period from when the jackpot super reach E is determined to when the variable revival is executed. This allows the player to see the pattern change display in a state where they can expect the specific normal background SNH to be displayed until the end of the pattern change display, even if the pattern change display shows a losing combination. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A17).

The background composition image determination function is a display background display pattern designation command setting process (S2304) that determines a predetermined background pattern to be executed during the pattern change display as a predetermined suggestive performance from among a plurality of background patterns displayed as the background of the pattern change display, and the background composition image display execution function is a display image control process (S3006) that causes the third pattern display device 42 to execute the predetermined background pattern determined by the display background display pattern designation command setting process (S2304). The display background display pattern designation command setting process determines a specific background change that changes the reach development background NH3, which does not indicate that the development pattern HZ may be aligned in a winning combination, to a specific normal background SNH that indicates that the main decorative pattern SZ may be aligned in a winning combination after the reach miss stop is displayed and before the miss stop display ends when the big win super reach E is determined. With this configuration, even if the symbol change display shows a losing combination, the symbol change display can be shown in a state where the user can expect a specific background change in which the reach development background HH3 changes to a specific normal background SNH until the very end of the symbol change display. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A18).

In Example 1, the specific suggestion effect was a specific hold change in which the hold display TH changed to rainbow colors, but in Example 3, the specific suggestion effect is different in that it is not a specific hold change, but a specific pattern change performed in a pattern change display performed in a special change pattern, in which at least one main decorative pattern SZ displayed on the normal screen (miss screen with main decorative pattern SZ) is displayed as a specific main decorative pattern SSZ decorated differently from the decoration of the normal main decorative pattern SZ. Below, the differences from Examples 1 and 2 are explained with reference to Figure 45. Also, refer to the above explanation and drawings as appropriate.

The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 determines a pattern change display pattern using the pattern change designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553 and the pattern change display pattern selection table shown in FIG. 9, and converts the determined pattern change display pattern into a display pattern designation command, as shown in step S2303 of FIG. 31.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs display control to variably display s, the main decorative pattern SZ, and the development pattern HZ in the variable display mode determination process shown in step S3004 of FIG. 32 described above, in accordance with the display variable pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262.

When the display variation pattern designation command received from the sub-controller 262 is the pattern variation display pattern 4 corresponding to the 8R probability variable jackpot super reach E or the 16R probability variable jackpot super reach E, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 executes a specific pattern change in which some of the main decorative patterns SZ constituting the losing combination are replaced with a specific main decorative pattern SSZ suggesting that they may be aligned in a jackpot combination. That is, in the specific pattern change, the pattern variation display pattern 4 in the jackpot super reach E shown in FIG. 35(a) described above is displayed in the final variation of the development pattern HZ in the reach development performance at the timing t2g when the display of the reach loss combination in the development pattern HZ is switched to the display of the reach loss combination in the main decorative pattern SZ, and the main decorative pattern SZ constituting the losing combination is replaced with a specific main decorative pattern SSZ suggesting that it will be aligned in a jackpot combination. The losing combination consisting of the main decorative pattern SZ and the specific main decorative pattern SSZ continues to be displayed until the display of the losing combination with the main decorative pattern SZ ends. After that, the losing combination consisting of the main decorative pattern SZ and the suggestive pattern SZ2 is switched to the revival of the pattern change by the development pattern HZ at the timing t2h when the revival performance starts.

The specific main decorative pattern SSZ may be set to be displayed in place of the main decorative pattern SZ when a reach is achieved in a normal jackpot reach A. Also, in a super jackpot reach A, the development pattern HZ may be displayed in rainbow colors in the final change of the reach development presentation. By setting it in this way, it becomes easier to suggest to the player that a jackpot combination is definitely formed due to the specific pattern change in which the main decorative pattern SZ changes to the specific main decorative pattern SSZ in a super jackpot reach E.

Next, an example of the execution of the variation pattern of the jackpot super reach E in this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 45. The jackpot super reach E in this embodiment differs from the jackpot super reach E in embodiment 1 in Figure 45 (c), so this point will be mainly described.

In Examples 1 and 2, the third symbol display device 42 displays the losing combination of the development symbol HZ "7", "7", "6" in the final variation for about 2 seconds, and then switches to the losing combination of the main decorative symbol SZ "7", "7", "6". In this example, as shown in (d), the "7" in the left column L and the "7" in the center column M are displayed as the main decorative symbol SZ, but the "6" in the right column M undergoes a specific symbol change to be displayed as the specific main decorative symbol SSZ, which indicates that it is definitely a winning combination. The specific main decorative symbol SZ2 has rainbow colors applied to the number portion SZa and the decorative portion SZb.

In this way, in the jackpot super reach E of Example 3, for a player who has seen or knows an example of the execution of the variation pattern of the jackpot super reach E of Example 3, even if a defeat color image in which an ally character is about to lose to an enemy character in a confrontation presentation is displayed together with a reach-miss combination as a result of the reach development presentation, even if the pending display TH is a color suggesting that it is unlikely to become a jackpot combination by the time the display that the result of the reach development presentation by the development pattern HZ is a reach-miss ends, even if a reach-miss combination by the decorative pattern SZ is displayed after a reach-miss combination by the development pattern HZ is displayed, the reach presentation can be shown while maintaining the expectation that the specific main decorative pattern SSZ is included in the reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ and that the pattern variation by the development pattern HZ will be revived and result in a jackpot, until the final moment of the pattern variation display when the display of the reach-miss combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed.

The display background display pattern designation command setting process performed by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 in step S2304 described above is an example of the background image determination means of the present invention. The display image control process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in step S3006 described above is an example of the background pattern execution means of the present invention.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the third embodiment, the variation revival suggestion performance is a specific pattern change that changes one of the multiple patterns that make up a losing combination in the main decorative pattern SZ, for example, the main decorative pattern SZ in the right column M that corresponds to the losing pattern, to a specific main decorative pattern SSZ with a rainbow color applied to the decorative part SZb, which suggests that there is a possibility of a big winning combination. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A19). With this configuration, even if a losing screen is displayed in the pattern variation display, the pattern variation display can be shown in a state where the player can expect a pattern change in which the main decorative pattern SZ that makes up the losing combination changes to the specific main decorative pattern SSZ until the end of the pattern variation display.

A specific pre-indication effect may be executed to suggest that a specific hold change will be executed before the specific hold change starts. This is explained below with reference to FIG. 46.

In the variable display mode determination process shown in step S3004 of FIG. 32, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines the variable display mode of the decorative pattern corresponding to the variable display pattern indicated by the display variable pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262. Specifically, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 determines one variable pattern corresponding to the display variable pattern designation command using the pattern variable display pattern selection table described with reference to FIG. 9.

In the variation pattern 4 corresponding to the jackpot super reach E in the first embodiment, the development symbol HZ is set to be displayed in the final variation in the reach development performance, and as shown in FIG. 43(g), a combination of the development symbols HZ that is not in the reach is displayed as a result of the final variation. In this embodiment, in the variation pattern 4 corresponding to the jackpot super reach E, when a combination of the reach that is not in the reach is displayed as a result of the final variation, one development symbol HZ (the development symbol HZ that stops last) that constitutes the combination of the reach that is not in the reach is displayed as a specific development symbol SHZ that is at least partially different from the other development symbols HZ. Note that, when the display variation pattern designation command is the jackpot super reach E, the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 may determine by lottery whether the variation pattern 4 including the specific development symbol SHZ as in this embodiment or the variation pattern 4 not including the specific development symbol SHZ as in the first embodiment is to be used.

The specific development pattern SHZ is a pattern that suggests to the player whether or not a specific reserved change in which the reserved change TH changes to rainbow colors will be executed, depending on its display mode. For example, if the specific development pattern SHZ is a pattern in which the development pattern HZ is combined with the character "Change?" written in kanji, it suggests that the specific reserved change will definitely be executed, and if the specific development pattern SHZ is a pattern in which the development pattern HZ is combined with the character "Change?" written in hiragana, it suggests that the specific reserved change will not be executed. Note that, in the configuration that determines whether or not to set a variation pattern that includes the specific development pattern SHZ as described above, when a pattern combined with the character "Change?" written in kanji is displayed, it may be set so that the specific reserved change is highly likely to be executed, and when a pattern combined with the character "Change?" written in hiragana is displayed, it may be set so that the specific reserved change is less likely to be executed.

Next, with reference to Figure 46, we will explain an example of the execution of the variation patterns of the jackpot super reach E and the miss super reach D in this embodiment.

In the case of a Super Reach E jackpot, the result of the third re-change (final change) in the reach development presentation shown in (a) is displayed as a missed-reach combination of the development symbols HZ shown in (b). At this time, the left and center development symbols HZ display the numbers "7" and "7", and the right development symbol HZ that stops last displays the special development symbol SHZ "6 Change?", which is a combination of the number "6" and the kanji character "Change?". After the missed-reach combination "7", "7", "6 change?" of the development pattern HZ and the specific development pattern SHZ is displayed, as shown in (c), the missed-reach combination "7", "7", "6 change?" of the development pattern HZ and the specific development pattern SHZ is switched to the missed-reach combination "7", "7", "6" of the main decorative pattern SZ, the reach development background HH3 is switched to the normal background NH, and a missed-reach screen with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed, and on this missed-reach screen, a specific pending change is displayed in which the pending display TH changes from blue to rainbow, and after the fluctuation with the development pattern HZ resumes as shown in (d), a jackpot occurs.

In a Missed Super Reach D, the result of the third re-change (final change) in the reach development performance shown in (a) is displayed as a missed reach combination with the development pattern HZ shown in (e). At this time, the left and center development patterns HZ display the numbers "7" and "7", and the right development pattern HZ that stops last displays the special development pattern SHZ "6henka?", which is a combination of the number "6" and the character "henka?" written in hiragana. After the display of the missed-reach combination "7", "7", "6?" with the development pattern HZ and the specific development pattern SHZ, as shown in (f), the missed-reach combination "7", "7", "6?" with the development pattern HZ and the specific development pattern SHZ is switched to the missed-reach combination "7", "7", "6" with the main decorative pattern SZ, the reach development background HH3 is switched to the normal background NH, and a missed-reach screen with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed, but on this missed-reach screen the reserved display TH remains blue and does not change. In (f), the missed-reach combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed.

In this way, in the jackpot super reach E of Example 4, when a reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the reach-miss performance, the type of the specific development pattern SHZ that constitutes the reach-miss combination suggests whether or not a specific reserve change will be executed in the reserve display TH afterwards. As a result, after a reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the reach-miss performance, before the change with the main decorative pattern SZ is restored, it is possible to recognize during the reach-miss performance whether a specific reserve change will be executed by returning to the reach-miss screen with the main decorative pattern SZ, which does not indicate the confirmation of the pattern change display, or whether the pattern change display will be confirmed by returning to the reach-miss screen with the main decorative pattern SZ, which indicates the confirmation of the pattern change display. In other words, the performance mode (game nature) leading to the specific reserve change can be diversified.

The variable display mode determination process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in the above-mentioned step S3004 is an example of the pre-suggested performance determination means of the present invention. The display image control process performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in the above-mentioned step S3006 is an example of the pre-suggested performance execution means of the present invention.

As described above, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment 4 is provided with a pre-suggested performance determination function (variation display mode determination process (S3004)) that determines a pattern change display pattern including a specific development pattern SHZ that suggests the execution of a specific hold change of the hold display TH from the pattern change display pattern selection table, and a pre-suggested performance execution function (display image control process (S3006)) that causes the third pattern display device 42 to display the pattern change display pattern when a pattern change display pattern including a specific development pattern SHZ is determined by the variation display mode determination process. In the variation display mode determination process, when variation pattern 4 corresponding to a jackpot super reach E is determined, it is determined that a specific pre-suggested performance will be performed in which, at the timing when a reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed, one of the development patterns HZ that constitutes the reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a specific pre-suggested performance that suggests that a variation revival suggestive performance will be executed. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A20).

With this configuration, even if a jackpot super reach E is determined, after the reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the reach development performance, not only is it unknown whether a variation revival suggestion performance will be executed (whether the variation with the development pattern HZ will return and result in a jackpot) until the reach miss screen with the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed, but when a jackpot super reach E is determined, if a specific pre-suggestion performance is executed at the time when the reach miss screen with the development pattern HZ is displayed, the variation revival suggestion performance will be executed (the variation with the development pattern HZ will return and result in a jackpot), so the gameplay of the reach performance in which a variation pattern in which the variation with the development pattern HZ is revived and results in a jackpot is executed can be diversified.

In addition, in this process of determining the variation display mode, when variation pattern 4 corresponding to the jackpot super reach E is determined, it may be determined to perform a first specific pre-suggestion performance in which one of the development patterns HZ constituting the combination of the development patterns HZ that is a reach miss is displayed as a specific development pattern SHZ including the pattern "Change?" written in kanji, which suggests that a specific reserved change is likely to be executed, at the timing when the combination of the development patterns HZ that is a reach miss is displayed, and when variation pattern 3 corresponding to the miss super reach D is determined, it may be determined to perform a second specific pre-suggestion performance in which the development patterns HZ that are a reach miss are displayed as a specific development pattern SHZ including the pattern "Change?" written in hiragana, which suggests that a specific suggestion performance is unlikely to be executed. Such a configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A21).

This configuration adds gameplay in that it is possible to know whether or not a variation revival suggestion effect is likely to be executed (whether or not a variation due to the HZ development pattern is likely to revive and result in a jackpot) depending on the type of specific development pattern SHZ that is executed at the time when a combination of development patterns HZ that results in a missed reach is displayed, thereby diversifying the gameplay of the reach effect in which a variation pattern in which a variation due to the HZ development pattern revives and results in a jackpot is executed.

A specific pre-indication effect that suggests that a specific hold change will be executed before the specific hold change starts may be executed in a manner different from that of Example 4. This will be explained below with reference to Figure 47.

The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 uses the variation pattern designation command shifted to the execution area of the RAM 553 and a balloon display pattern designation command (not shown) to determine a balloon display pattern for displaying a balloon image HD on the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 at a predetermined timing during the pattern variation display in the display balloon display pattern designation command setting process shown in step S2305 of FIG. 31 described above. Specifically, a balloon image display pattern selection table (not shown) in which the variation pattern designation command and the balloon image HD are associated is used to determine one balloon image display pattern corresponding to the variation pattern designation command. The CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 converts the determined balloon display pattern into a display balloon display pattern designation command.

In this embodiment, when the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 receives a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the jackpot super reach E, it determines a specific speech bubble display pattern including the display of a specific speech bubble image SHD that suggests the execution of a specific reserved change. The specific speech bubble display pattern is, for example, a pattern in which a speech bubble image HD consisting of "Super Reach!" is displayed when a reach is established by the main decorative pattern SZ, and a specific speech bubble image SHD is displayed at a timing before the execution of a specific reserved change described below. Note that the execution of the specific speech bubble display pattern may be determined by lottery, as in Example 4.

The CPU 521 of the display control device 45 performs display control to insert the balloon image HD into the bottom right of the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 in the auxiliary performance determination process shown in step S3005 of FIG. 32 described above, in accordance with the display balloon display pattern designation command received from the sub-control device 262. In this embodiment, when the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 receives a specific balloon display pattern, it displays the specific balloon image SHD at a timing described below.

The specific speech bubble image HD is an image that, depending on its display mode, suggests to the player whether or not a specific reserve change in which the reserved change TH changes to rainbow colors will be executed. For example, if the specific speech bubble image SHD is a speech bubble that asks "Will it change?" written in kanji and hiragana, it suggests that the specific reserve change will definitely be executed, and if the specific speech bubble image SHD is a speech bubble that asks "Will it change?" written in hiragana only, it suggests that the specific reserve change will not be executed. Note that, if the specific speech bubble display pattern is determined by lottery as described above, it may be set so that a speech bubble that asks "Will it change?" written in kanji and hiragana suggests that there is a high possibility that the specific reserve change will be executed, and a speech bubble that asks "Will it change?" written in hiragana only suggests that there is a low possibility that the specific reserve change will be executed.

Next, referring to Figure 47, we will explain an example of the execution of the variation patterns of the jackpot super reach E and the miss super reach D in this embodiment.

In the jackpot super reach E, the result of the third re-change (final change) in the reach development performance shown in (a) is displayed as a reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ shown in (b). After displaying the reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ for about 2 seconds, as shown in (c), the reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ and the reach development background HH3 gradually disappear, and a transition screen appears in which the reach-miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ and the normal background NH gradually appear. When this transition screen is displayed, a specific speech bubble image SHD consisting of "Change?" expressed in kanji and hiragana is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 42a. The timing of displaying the specific speech bubble image SHD may be simultaneous with switching to the transition screen, or may be during the display of the transition screen. After the specific speech bubble image SHD expressed in kanji and hiragana is displayed, the transition screen transitions to the normal screen in which the reach-miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ and the normal background NH are displayed as shown in (d). On the normal screen, a special reserve change is executed in which the reserve display TH changes to rainbow colors, and as shown in (e), the fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ resumes, resulting in a jackpot.

In the case of a Missed Super Reach D, the result of the third re-change (final change) in the reach development performance shown in (a) is displayed as a reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ shown in (f). After the reach-miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed for about 2 seconds, at the timing when the transition screen shown in (g) is displayed, a specific speech bubble image SHD written only in hiragana asking "Shall we change it?" is displayed in the lower right corner of the display screen 42a. After the specific speech bubble image SHD written only in hiragana is displayed, the transition screen transitions to the normal screen shown in (h). On the normal screen, the pending display TH remains blue and does not change. In (h), the reach-miss combination with the main decorative pattern SZ is confirmed.

In this way, in the jackpot super reach E of Example 5, the type of specific balloon image SHD displayed when transitioning from the reach miss screen with the development pattern HZ to the reach miss screen (normal screen) with the main decorative pattern SZ suggests whether a specific reserve change will be executed in the reserve display TH at the timing when the normal screen is displayed thereafter. As a result, after a reach miss combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the reach development performance, before the change with the main decorative pattern SZ is restored, it is possible to recognize during the transition from the reach development performance to the normal screen whether a specific reserve change will be executed by returning to the reach miss screen with the main decorative pattern SZ, which does not indicate the confirmation of the pattern change display, or whether the pattern change display will be confirmed by returning to the reach miss screen with the main decorative pattern SZ, which indicates the confirmation of the pattern change display. In other words, the performance mode (game nature) leading to the specific reserve change can be diversified.

The process of setting a command to specify a display pattern for a speech bubble by the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 in step S2305 described above is an example of the pre-suggested performance determination means of the present invention. The process of determining the auxiliary performance performed by the CPU 521 of the display control device 45 in step S3005 described above is an example of the pre-suggested performance execution means of the present invention.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment 5, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 performs a pre-suggestion performance execution function (display balloon display pattern designation command setting process (step S2305)) that determines, from a balloon image display pattern selection table, a balloon image display pattern including a specific balloon image SHD that indicates in advance whether or not a specific hold change will be made to the hold display TH, and when a balloon image display pattern including a specific balloon image SHD is determined by the display balloon display pattern designation command setting process, the sub-control device 262 performs a pre-suggestion performance execution function (display balloon display pattern designation command setting process (step S2305)) that determines, from a balloon image display pattern selection table, a balloon image display pattern including a specific balloon image SHD that indicates in advance whether or not a specific hold change will be made to the hold display TH, and The display control device 45 has a CPU 521 that performs a pre-suggestion effect execution function (display image control process (step S3006)) to display the 3 symbol display device 42, and in the display balloon display pattern designation command setting process, when a variation pattern 4 corresponding to a jackpot super reach E is determined, it is determined that a pre-suggestion effect will be performed, which is displayed as a specific balloon image SHD in kanji and hiragana saying "Will it change?", suggesting that a specific reserved change will be executed, at the timing when the reach-miss screen with the development symbol HZ transitions to the reach-miss screen (normal screen) with the main decorative symbol SZ. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A20).

According to this configuration, after a combination of reach failure due to the development pattern HZ is displayed as a result of the reach development performance, before the fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ is revived, the player can be made to recognize at the timing when the reach failure screen due to the development pattern HZ transitions to the reach failure screen (normal screen) due to the main decorative pattern SZ whether to return to the reach failure screen due to the main decorative pattern SZ, which does not indicate the confirmation of the pattern fluctuation display, and a specific reserve change is performed, or to return to the reach failure screen due to the main decorative pattern SZ, which indicates the confirmation of the pattern fluctuation display, and the pattern fluctuation display is confirmed as it is. In other words, by providing not only a performance pattern in which the execution of a specific suggestion performance on the reach failure screen due to the main decorative pattern SZ leads to the revival of the fluctuation due to the development pattern HZ if a specific suggestion performance is executed, but also a performance pattern in which there is a pre-suggestion performance that suggests whether or not a specific suggestion performance is executed at the timing of transition to the normal screen, it is possible to actively expect that a specific reserve change will occur not only in a performance pattern in which a specific reserve change is executed, but also in a performance pattern in which a specific reserve change is not executed, so that the performance mode related to the specific reserve change can be diversified.

In addition, in the display bubble display pattern designation command setting process, when a variation pattern 4 corresponding to a jackpot super reach E is determined, it is determined to perform a first specific pre-suggestion effect displayed as a specific bubble image SHD in a bubble with the words "Will it change?" written in kanji and hiragana, suggesting that a specific reserve change is likely to be performed, at the timing when the reach miss screen with the development pattern HZ transitions to the normal screen, and when a variation pattern 3 corresponding to a miss super reach D is determined, it is determined to perform a second specific pre-suggestion effect displayed as a specific bubble image SHD in a bubble with the words "Will it change?" written only in hiragana, suggesting that a specific suggestion effect is unlikely to be performed, at the timing when the reach miss screen with the development pattern HZ transitions to the normal screen. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described in (A21).

This configuration adds gameplay in that it is possible to know whether a specific suggestion effect is likely to be executed (whether the fluctuations caused by the HZ development pattern are likely to return and result in a jackpot) depending on the type of specific speech bubble image SHD that is executed when the reach-miss screen caused by the HZ development pattern transitions to the normal screen, so it is possible to diversify the gameplay of the reach effect in which a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuations caused by the HZ development pattern are returned and result in a jackpot is executed.

In the above-mentioned examples 1 to 5, the special suggestion effect that is executed when a special variation pattern is determined is executed during the pattern variation display when the special variation pattern is determined, but in example 6, the special suggestion effect is executed at a timing between when the special variation pattern is determined and before the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed.

In the first embodiment, in step S1914 of the look-ahead variation pattern designation command reception process described with reference to FIG. 29, when a look-ahead variation pattern designation command is received, the hold display pattern for the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4 is merely determined based on the look-ahead variation pattern designation command, whereas in the sixth embodiment, when a look-ahead variation pattern designation command is received, a look-ahead preview pattern different from the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4 is determined based on the look-ahead variation pattern designation command.

Next, the look-ahead preview pattern selection table used by the display control device 45 will be described with reference to FIG. 48. The look-ahead preview pattern selection table is set up so that when one variable display pattern is determined, one look-ahead preview pattern is also determined along with one pending display pattern. In other words, when a display variable pattern command indicating one variable pattern is sent from the sub-control device 262, the display control device 45 is configured to execute a look-ahead preview performance with one look-ahead preview pattern.

The configuration for determining the look-ahead prediction pattern is not limited to the above, and may be such that when one fluctuation pattern is determined, it is determined by lottery whether or not to perform a look-ahead prediction. In this case, even if the fluctuation pattern is the same type, it may be possible to make it difficult for a look-ahead prediction to be made in the case of a miss, while making it easier for a look-ahead prediction to be made in the case of a jackpot. This allows a jackpot to be strongly anticipated when a look-ahead prediction is made.

When the variable display pattern is determined to be jackpot normal reach A, B, jackpot super reach A, B, normal reach with miss before and after and miss other than before and after A, B, super reach with miss before and after and miss other than before and after A, B, or complete miss A to F, pre-reading notice pattern 1 is set. Pre-reading notice pattern 1 is a pattern without pre-reading notice. This corresponds to reserved display patterns 1 to 4, 8, and 9 in which the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 are white. In this way, in a variable pattern that results in a jackpot without making the player expect a jackpot, by deliberately not making a pre-reading notice, it is possible to give the player a surprise about winning the jackpot. Also, by not making a pre-reading notice in a miss variable pattern, which is usually determined, it is possible to increase the joy when a pre-reading notice is made in other variable patterns.

When the variable display pattern is determined to be the jackpot super reach C, or the miss before and after or the miss other than before and after super reach C, the pre-reading notice pattern 2 is set. The pre-reading notice pattern 2 is a pattern in which there is no pre-reading notice during the fourth reserved display, and a pre-reading notice is executed to display a text image saying "Maybe you'll win" when the fourth reserved display H4 changes to the third reserved display H3, when the third reserved display H3 changes to the second reserved display H2, and when the second reserved display H2 changes to the first reserved display H1. The pre-reading notice pattern 2 corresponds to the reserved display patterns 5 and 6 in which the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 are blue. The super reach C is a variable pattern that is as likely to be determined as the super reach D in the case of a jackpot, but is much less likely to be determined than the super reach D in the case of a miss. This can give the player a hint that the pattern variable display that occurs later is likely to be a jackpot.

When the variable display pattern is determined to be the jackpot super reach D, the front and rear miss and non-front and rear miss super reach D, or the jackpot super reach E, the pre-reading notice pattern 3 is set. The pre-reading notice pattern 3 is a pattern in which there is no pre-reading notice during the fourth reserved display, and when the fourth reserved display H4 changes to the third reserved display H3, when the third reserved display H3 changes to the first reserved display H2, and when the second reserved display H2 changes to the first reserved display H1, a special pre-reading notice is executed in which a text image is displayed saying "It may be a tough fight, but you may make a comeback" (in FIG. 48 it is written as "You may make a comeback"). The pre-reading notice pattern 3 corresponds to the reserved display patterns 5 and 6 in which the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 are blue. The super reach D is a variable pattern that is as likely to be determined as the super reach C when it is a jackpot, but is much more likely to be determined than the super reach C when it is a miss. Also, the Super Reach E is a variation pattern that is less likely to result in a jackpot than Super Reach C or D. This gives the player the idea that, although it may be less likely to result in a jackpot compared to when the pre-reading notice shows "Maybe a hit," there may be a revival of the variation at the end, so even if the subsequent pattern variation display shows a miss, there is still hope to the end.

Next, we will explain an example of execution of pre-reading notification pattern 2 with reference to Figure 49.

In the screen shown in (a), the first to fourth reserved display H1 to H4 are displayed, and the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display TH is displayed in a missing combination. A pre-reading notice pattern 2 is set for the fourth reserved display H4. In the screen shown in (b), the first to fourth reserved display H1 to H4 shown in (a) are shifted leftward one by one to become the reserved display TH, and the first to third reserved display H1 to H3. In other words, a pre-reading notice pattern 2 is set for the third reserved display H3. At this time, a pre-reading notice is executed in which a pre-reading notice image SY1 including the characters "Maybe you'll win" is displayed in a speech bubble extending upward from the third reserved display H3. In the screen shown in (c), this pre-reading notice image SY1 is hidden at the start of the next pattern change display. This is also performed when the third reserved display H3 changes to the second reserved display H2 and when the second reserved display H2 changes to the first reserved display H1. This allows the player to watch the display performance while anticipating a big win from the time when the pre-reading notice is executed for the third reserved display H3 until the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display for which the pre-reading notice was executed is executed.

Next, we will explain an example of execution of pre-reading notification pattern 3 with reference to Figure 49.

The screen shown in (a) is the same as the above-mentioned look-ahead pattern 2, but in the screen shown in (d), the look-ahead notice pattern 3 is set for the third reserved display H3. At this time, a special look-ahead notice is executed in which a special look-ahead notice image SY2 including the text "It may be a tough fight, but you may make a comeback" is displayed in a speech bubble extending upward from the third reserved display H3. In the screen shown in (e), this look-ahead notice image SY2 is hidden at the start of the next pattern change display. This special look-ahead notice is also performed when the third reserved display H3 changes to the second reserved display H2 and when the second reserved display H2 changes to the first reserved display H1. As a result, the player may be less likely to hit the jackpot during the period between when the special pre-reading prediction is executed for the third reserved display H3 and when the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display for which the special pre-reading prediction is executed is executed, compared to when the pre-reading prediction displays "Maybe hit," but since there may be a pattern change revival at the end, the player can watch the display performance in a state of anticipation of a pattern change revival, with hope that even if the pattern change display that occurs later does not result in a reach, there is still hope until the end.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine 10 of Example 6, the timing at which a special suggestive performance such as a special pre-reading notice is executed is the timing between when the special variation pattern is determined and when the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed, specifically, the timing at which the second to fourth pending displays H2 to H4 are shifted to the left.

According to this configuration, for example, when the first to fourth reserved displays H2 to H4 are shifted to the left in the special pre-reading notice performance, a text image saying "It may be a tough game, but there may be a revival" is displayed on one of the corresponding first to third reserved displays H1 to H3. The player can watch the display performance in a state of expectation of a revival of the variation, thinking that it may be less likely to be a jackpot than when "Maybe a hit" is displayed in the pre-reading notice during the period from when the special pre-reading notice is executed on the third reserved display H3 to when the pattern change display corresponding to the reserved display on which the special pre-reading notice is executed is executed, but that there may be a revival at the end, even if the pattern change display that occurs later results in a missed reach. As a result, the interest in the display performance from when the variation pattern is determined to when the pattern change display based on the variation pattern is executed can be improved. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described in (A3) below.

In Example 1, the special suggestion effect using the hold display TH was that the hold display pattern 7 corresponding to the jackpot super reach E changed the previously displayed blue hold display TH to rainbow colors at the timing when the losing combination with the development pattern HZ changed to a losing combination with the main decorative pattern SZ in the final change in the reach development effect, but in Example 7, the hold display pattern 7 corresponding to the jackpot super reach E is different from Example 1. Accordingly, some hold display patterns corresponding to other change display patterns are also different from Example 1.

As explained in step S1914 of FIG. 29, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 refers to the table for selecting pending display patterns to determine the pending display pattern (see FIG. 10) that corresponds to the currently received pre-reading variable pattern designation command. However, in this embodiment 7, as explained below, some pending display patterns differ from the pending display patterns shown in FIG. 10, and therefore will be explained with reference to FIG. 50.

Figure 50 is a diagram illustrating the hold display pattern selection table used in the display control device 45 of Example 7. The differences from the hold display pattern selection table of Example 1 are explained below.

The reserved display pattern 4B, which is determined when the super reach A is determined to be a front-back miss or a non-front-back miss, changes from white to blue during the first re-change by the development pattern HZ, and during the second re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, the reserved display TH is hidden, but the reserved display TH is re-displayed when the main decorative pattern HZ is displayed as a losing combination. By re-displaying the reserved display TH, it is possible to quickly move to the start screen of the next pattern change display (for example, the screen that shifts the reserved display). The reserved display pattern 9A, which is determined when the super reach B is determined to be a front-back miss or a non-front-back miss, is the same as the description of the reserved display pattern 4B, except that the reserved display TH remains blue. The reserved display pattern 6B, which is determined when the super reach C is determined to be a front-back miss or a non-front-back miss, is set to hide the reserved display TH during the third re-change (final change) by the development pattern HZ, but to re-display the reserved display TH when the losing combination by the decorative pattern HZ is displayed. In this way, after showing the player the change in the hold display TH, hold display pattern 6B can focus the player's attention on the display presentation during the final change of the reach development presentation. Even if there is no change in the hold display TH as in hold display pattern 9A, the player's attention can be focused on the display presentation during the final change of the reach development presentation without discouraging the player that there is no change in the hold display TH. Also, hold display patterns 4B, 9A, and 6B can give the player the impression that the pattern that is redisplayed after the hold display TH is hidden is a losing pattern.

When the change pattern is decided to be 8R high probability jackpot super reach A, the reserved display pattern 3A is decided. The reserved display pattern 3A is set to display white in the first to fourth reserved display H1 to H4, and the reserved display TH displays white when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change, and changes from white to rainbow during the first re-change by the development pattern HZ (in Figure 50, it is shown as "white → rainbow" in the "decorative pattern change start" column. The same applies below), and the reserved display TH is set to be hidden from the second re-change by the development pattern HZ (final change) until the winning combination is confirmed by the main decorative pattern HZ. The reserved display pattern 4A decided when the 8R high probability jackpot super reach B is decided is the same as the explanation of the reserved display pattern 3A, except that the reserved display TH changes from white to blue.

When the variation pattern is decided to be 8R high probability big win super reach C, the reserved display pattern 5A is decided. The reserved display pattern 5A is set to display blue in the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4, and the reserved display TH displays blue when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to vary, changes from blue to rainbow during the second re-variation by the development pattern HZ, and is set to hide the reserved display TH from the third re-variation (final variation) by the development pattern HZ until the winning combination is confirmed by the decorative pattern HZ. The reserved display pattern 6A decided when the 8R high probability big win super reach D is decided is the same as the description of the reserved display pattern 5A, except that the reserved display TH changes from blue to red. As a result, the reserved display patterns 5A and 6A can attract the player's attention to the display performance during the final variation of the reach development performance after showing the player the change in the reserved display TH.

When the fluctuation pattern is decided to be 8R sure-win super reach E, the reserved display pattern 7A is decided. The reserved display pattern 7A is set to display blue in the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4, and blue is displayed in the reserved display TH from the start of the fluctuation by the main decorative pattern SZ until the second re-flux by the development pattern HZ, and the reserved display TH is hidden during the third re-flux (final fluctuation) by the development pattern HZ, and the reserved display TH is also hidden during the display of the super reach miss by the development pattern HZ in the final fluctuation of the reach development performance, and is set to re-display the reserved display TH in a state changed from blue to rainbow color when the display of the super reach miss by the main decorative pattern SZ starts. As a result, even if the reserve display pattern 7A is a color that suggests that the reserve display TH is unlikely to be a jackpot combination in the reach development performance using the development pattern HZ, or even if the result of the reach development performance using the development pattern HZ is displayed as a reach miss, the player's attention is drawn to the display performance during the final change of the reach development performance without disappointing the player, and the reach performance can be shown while maintaining the player's expectation that a reserve change like reserve display pattern 7A (a change revival suggestion performance) will occur until the final moment of the pattern change display when a reach miss combination using the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

In addition, in reserve change patterns 3A to 6A, the color of the reserve display TH was the same immediately before it was hidden and immediately after it was redisplayed, making it difficult to further improve the interest of the reserve change presentation in which the reserve display TH is hidden and then redisplayed; however, by showing the reserve display TH in a color that is more likely to result in a jackpot than immediately before it was redisplayed at the time it is redisplayed, the interest of the reserve change presentation can be improved. Also, by showing the reserve display TH that is redisplayed in a rainbow color at the time it is recognized that the reach development presentation has been missed, the interest of the reserve change presentation can be further improved.

Next, the pending display patterns in Example 7 will be described with reference to Figures 51 and 52. Figure 51 is a time chart explaining the pending display patterns in the case of a jackpot in Example 7. Figure 52 is a time chart explaining the pending display patterns in the case of a miss in Example 7. Also, with reference to Figures 53 to 55 as appropriate, examples of execution of pending display patterns corresponding to each variable display pattern in Example 7 will be explained. Figure 53 is an example of execution of a jackpot super reach D in Example 7. Figure 54 is an example of execution of a front/back miss super reach D in Example 7. Figure 55 is an example of execution of a jackpot super reach E in Example 7.

As shown in FIG. 51(a), the reserved display pattern 1 corresponding to the normal jackpot reach A is a pattern that indicates to the player that a jackpot has been confirmed by changing from white to rainbow colors when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change, that is, when the first reserved display H1 shifts to the reserved display TH. This is the same as reserved display pattern 1 in Example 1.

As shown in FIG. 52(a), the reserved display pattern 8 corresponding to normal reach A with misses in front and behind and misses other than front and behind is a pattern in which the reserved display TH remains white from the time when the main decorative pattern SZ starts to change until the losing combination is confirmed by the main decorative pattern SZ. This is the same as reserved display pattern 8 in Example 1.

As shown in FIG. 51(b), the hold display pattern 3A corresponding to the jackpot super reach A is a pattern in which the hold display, which was white when the main decorative pattern SZ started to change, i.e., when the first hold display H1 shifted to the hold display TH, changes from white to rainbow 5 seconds before the start of the final change of the reach development performance, and then displays the hold display TH in rainbow colors for 5 seconds until the final change starts, thereby suggesting to the player that a jackpot has been confirmed. In hold display pattern 3A, the hold display TH is hidden from the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 after the start of the final change of the reach development performance. This allows the player to focus their attention on the display performance during the final change of the reach development performance after the change of the hold display TH has been shown to the player.

As shown in FIG. 52(b), the reserved display pattern 4B corresponding to the super reach A with miss before and after and miss other than before and after is a pattern in which the reserved display TH is displayed in white from the start of the change of the main decorative pattern SZ until 5 seconds before the end of the first re-change in the reach development performance, changes to blue 5 seconds after the end of the first re-change, is hidden from the start of the second re-change (final change) in the reach development performance until the display of the losing combination by the development pattern HZ in the final change ends, and the reserved display is displayed in blue again at the time when the losing combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed. This makes it possible to focus the player's attention on the display performance during the final change of the reach development performance after showing the change of the reserved display TH to the player. Also, in the case of a super reach miss, the player can be made to recognize that the reserved display TH will be redisplayed at the time when the losing combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed.

As shown in Figure 51 (c), in the hold display pattern 6A corresponding to the jackpot super reach D, the hold display TH is blue from the start of the change in the main decorative pattern SZ until 5 seconds before the end of the second re-change of the reach development performance (see also Figures 53 (a) to (d)), and after changing from blue to red 5 seconds before the end of the second re-change, the hold display TH is displayed in red for 5 seconds until the start of the final change (see also Figure 53 (e)), and after the start of the final change, the hold display TH and the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4 are hidden (see also Figures 53 (f) to (h)). As a result, if the hold display TH continues to be displayed after the player sees the change from blue to red, the player will likely focus on the hold display TH in anticipation of further changes. However, with hold display pattern 6A, the hold display TH is hidden after the start of the final change, so the player's attention can be drawn to the display presentation during the final change of the reach development presentation.

As shown in Figure 52 (c), the hold display pattern 10A corresponding to a front/rear miss and a non-front/rear miss super reach D is a pattern in which the hold display TH is displayed in blue from the start of the change in the main decorative pattern SZ to the end of the second re-change in the reach development performance (see also Figures 54 (a) to (e)), is hidden from the start of the final change in the reach development performance until the display of the losing combination by the development pattern HZ in the final change has ended (see also Figures 54 (f) to (g)), and at the point where the losing combination by the main decorative pattern SZ is displayed, the hold display TH and the first to fourth hold displays H1 to H4 are displayed in blue again (see also Figure 54 (h)). As a result, if the reserved display TH does not change to blue, and if the reserved display TH continues to be displayed, the player is likely to become discouraged because the reserved display TH is unlikely to become a jackpot. However, with reserved display pattern 10A, the reserved display TH is hidden after the start of the final change, so the player's attention can be drawn to the display performance during the final change of the reach development performance.

As shown in FIG. 51(d), the hold display pattern 7A corresponding to the jackpot super reach E has the hold display TH displayed in blue from the time the main decorative pattern SZ changes to the end of the second re-change of the reach development performance (see also FIG. 55(a)-(e)), and is hidden from the start of the final change in the reach development performance to the end of the display of the losing combination by the development pattern HZ in the final change (see also FIG. 55(f)-(g)). This allows the player's attention to be focused on the display performance during the final change of the reach development performance. When the display of the losing combination by the development pattern HZ changes to the display of the losing combination by the main decorative pattern SZ, the hold display TH is redisplayed in a rainbow color, and then the hold display TH is displayed (see also FIG. 55(h)-(j)). This allows the player to see a hold change performance that will amaze the player greatly, as the hold display TH re-displays at a timing that seems like a losing pattern, when a losing combination with the development pattern HZ is displayed in the final variation, and then the losing combination with the development pattern HZ changes to a losing combination with the main decorative pattern SZ. In addition, the hold display TH is suddenly displayed in a rainbow-colored state at the time of re-display.

As described above, according to the pachinko machine of this embodiment 7, when a variation revival suggestion effect such as the reservation display pattern 7A is determined in the reservation display pattern determination process described above, the CPU 551 of the sub-control device 262 makes the reservation display TH, which indicates during the pattern change display that the possibility of the pattern change display lining up in a winning combination is a predetermined high, invisible from the display screen 42a of the third pattern display device 42 at the timing corresponding to the start of the final variation of the reach development effect during the pattern change display based on the jackpot super reach E, and when the reservation display TH is made easily visible again to the player after the losing combination of the main decorative pattern SZ is stopped in front of the normal screen at the end of the final variation of the reach development effect and before the special variation is executed, redisplays it in a rainbow-colored state indicating that the possibility of the jackpot combination suggested by the reservation display TH lining up is higher than a predetermined high, thereby executing the variation revival suggestion effect.

According to this configuration, if the pending display TH, which is displayed in blue during the pattern change display to indicate that the pattern change display has a predetermined probability of lining up in a winning combination (e.g., a low probability of winning), changes to rainbow color to indicate that the pattern change display has a higher probability than the predetermined probability (e.g., a guaranteed jackpot), while the pending display TH is still displayed, there is a risk that the player will not be able to maintain a sense of expectation for the pattern change display while continuing to look at the blue pending display TH. In the present invention, the pending display TH, which indicates that the pattern change display has a predetermined probability of lining up in a winning combination during the pattern change display, is hidden so that it is difficult for the player to see at a predetermined timing during the pattern change display, so that the player does not have to continue to look at the pending display TH, which has a predetermined probability of winning, until the end of the pattern change display. The reserved display TH that has been made difficult to see is redisplayed so as to be easily seen again between the time when the losing combination is stopped in front of the normal background and the time when the variation revival is executed, so that the reserved display TH can be shown again to the player at a suitable timing for suggesting a special variation pattern to the player, such as making the player think that the pattern variation display has been confirmed as a losing combination or that the player is in a waiting period until the next pattern variation display is started. When the reserved display TH is redisplayed so as to be easily seen again by the player, it has changed to a rainbow color that is higher than the color before the reserved display TH was made difficult to see, so that the player can get a suggestion that it may be a special variation pattern the moment he sees the reserved display TH again. This allows the player to continue watching the display performance including the pattern change display while the pattern change display is in a state of maintaining a sense of expectation that the pattern change display will line up with a winning combination, and even after a losing combination is displayed, the player can continue watching the display performance including the pattern change display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the change pattern is a special change pattern until the very last moment of the pattern change display. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the pattern change display accompanied by the suggestive information display performance in which the display mode of suggestive information that suggests the result of the game judgment changes. This configuration is an example of a gaming machine described later in (D1).

When the reserved display TH is redisplayed to make it easier for the player to see again, the pattern change display goes through a reach state (normal reach) in which all but one of the multiple main decorative patterns SZ remain, and then into a reach state (reach development performance) with the development pattern HZ, after a reach loss combination that stops so that the remaining development pattern HZ becomes a losing combination is displayed in front of the reach development background HH3 that is displayed during the reach development performance, and the reach loss combination stops in front of the normal background NH until the change revival is executed.

According to this configuration, the reserved display TH that was hidden so as to be difficult to see is redisplayed so as to be easily seen again after the symbol change display is a reach-out combination displayed in front of the reach-out development background HH3 in the reach-out development performance, and before the symbol change display is stopped in front of the normal background NH and the change revival is executed, so that the reserved display TH can be shown to the player again at a suitable timing for suggesting a special change pattern to the player, such as making the player think that the symbol change display has been confirmed as a reach-out combination or that the waiting period until the next symbol change display is started. As a result, the player can continue to watch the display performance including the symbol change display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the symbol change display will be a winning combination during the reach-out development performance, and even after the reach-out combination is displayed, the player can continue to watch the display performance including the symbol change display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the change pattern is a special change pattern until the last moment of the symbol change display. As a result, the impact on the player who is disappointed by the reach-out result can be increased. This configuration is an example of the gaming machine described below in (D2).

This invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but may be implemented in other configurations that provide similar effects, for example as follows:

<1> In addition to the specific reserve changes described in the above embodiment, any effect that indicates a confirmed jackpot may be a sound, another image, or a special device.

<2> The specific hold change described in Example 1 above may be a color or pattern other than rainbow, or may be a change in which another object (image, prop) acts on the hold display TH.

<3> In the above-mentioned Example 1, the high probability period may be limited to a predetermined number of play times. In that case, if the predetermined number of play times is exceeded, it will return to the low probability period. Specific suggestive effects such as specific reserved changes may be performed only during this limited number of high probability periods. If the specific suggestive effects are performed just before the end of the limited number of play times, it is possible to particularly increase the interest in the pattern change display.

<4> In the above-mentioned Example 1, a specific suggestion effect was performed regardless of the type of jackpot, but a specific reserve change may be performed only in a reach effect that results in a guaranteed jackpot. The specific reserve change suggested whether or not a jackpot combination would result, but it may also suggest whether it is a guaranteed jackpot or a normal jackpot.

<5> In the above-mentioned Example 1, the change revival of the development pattern HZ and the specific suggestion performance were performed only in the jackpot super reach E, but like the jackpot super reach E, it may also be performed in the jackpot super reach B where the pending display TH had little hope of a jackpot until the end of the final change of the reach development performance.

<6> In the above-mentioned Example 1, the development pattern HZ variable revival performance and the specific reserve change were included, but it is also possible to perform only the development pattern HZ variable revival performance without including the specific reserve change. Instead of the specific reserve change, either a background change or a change in audio output, or both, may be performed.

<7> In the above-mentioned second embodiment, all of the normal background NH is changed to a specific normal background SNH, but a specific normal background SNH may be used in which only a portion of the image that constitutes the normal background NH is rainbow-colored.

<8> In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when the reserved display TH is changed to rainbow colors to suggest a revival of fluctuation, it is changed to rainbow colors all at once. However, in the configuration in which the reserved display TH is changed to the final stage all at once, there is another problem that it is difficult for the player to maintain a sense of expectation until it changes to the final stage. Therefore, when the reserved display TH is changed to suggest a revival of fluctuation, a configuration in which the reserved display TH is changed stepwise in a manner that makes it clear that it is changing toward the final stage may be included. For example, when a jackpot super reach E is determined, the reserved display TH is displayed in a single blue color, one of the colors that make up the rainbow, at the start of the fluctuation of the main decorative pattern SZ. At the start of the reach development performance by the development pattern HZ, it is displayed in two stripes, blue and green. At the time when it is displayed in these two stripes, the player can recognize that it may be changing toward the rainbow color, which is the final stage. At the start of the second re-flux by the development pattern HZ, it is displayed in three stripes, blue, green, and yellow. At the start of the third re-variation (final variation), four stripes of blue, green, green, and red are displayed. These four stripes may also be displayed if the result is a jackpot super reach D or a miss before and after or a miss other than before and after C or D. When a miss-reach combination with the development pattern HZ changes to a miss-reach combination with the main decoration pattern SZ, five stripes of blue, green, yellow, red, and purple are displayed, suggesting a revival of the variation. In this case, while the reserved display is displayed with four stripes in the final variation, it is indistinguishable between a jackpot super reach E or a miss before and after or a miss other than before and after super reach C or D, so even if the content of the display suggests that the result will be a miss-reach, the player can continue to watch the display in anticipation of the change to add the final purple color.

In addition, when a jackpot super reach E as in Example 2 is determined, the specific background change that changes the normal background NH at the time of the miss display before the variable revival to a specific background image SNH is configured to change the normal background NH to a rainbow-colored specific background image SNH all at once, but it may also be configured to change the background image of the reach development performance in stages in a manner that makes it clear that it is changing towards the final stage (for example, rainbow color). In this case, for example, in a miss super reach D, the change can be made to end just before it becomes rainbow colored as described above.

In addition, when a jackpot super reach E as in Example 3 is determined, the specific pattern change that changes the main decorative pattern SZ at the time of the miss display before the variable revival to the specific main decorative pattern SSZ is configured to change the main decorative pattern SZ to the rainbow-colored specific main decorative pattern SSZ all at once, but it may also be configured to change the specific main decorative pattern SSZ in stages in a manner that makes it clear that it is changing toward the final stage (for example, rainbow colors) when the missing combination is temporarily stopped for each pseudo consecutive 1 to 3. In this case, too, for example, in a miss super reach D, the change can be made to end just before it becomes rainbow colors as described above.

<9> In the above-mentioned embodiment 7, the reserved display TH is made invisible from the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42 to make it difficult for the player to see, but it may be made difficult for the player to see while it is still displayed on the display screen 42a of the third symbol display device 42. For example, at the timing when the reserved display TH is made invisible, a predetermined role may be moved from a position outside the frame of the display screen 42a to a position within the frame of the display screen 42a that hides the reserved display TH to make it difficult for the player to see. Also, for example, the reserved display TH and the first to fourth reserved displays H1 to H4 may be displayed on a display device other than the third symbol display device 42 (for example, a liquid crystal display device smaller than the third symbol display device 42), and the other display device may be moved from a position that is easy for the player to see to a position that is difficult to see, to make the reserved display difficult for the player to see. In addition, the hold indications H1 to H4 are also made difficult to see by the player in accordance with the timing at which the hold indication TH is made difficult to see by the player, but four hold lamps corresponding to the hold indications H1 to H4 may be placed below the third pattern display device 42 to complement the hold indications during the period when the hold indications H1 to H4 are made difficult to see by the player. Also, the hold lamps corresponding to the hold indications TH may be placed below the third pattern display device 42.

<10> In the above embodiment, the invention is described as being used in a pachinko machine, but it may also be used in other types of gaming machines, such as slot machines.

For example, the present invention may be implemented in various types of gaming machines (e.g., first type, third type, etc.), or in pachinko machines of a different type from the above embodiment. For example, the present invention may be implemented as a pachinko machine (commonly known as a two-time right machine or a three-time right machine) in which the expected value of a jackpot is increased until a jackpot state occurs multiple times (e.g., two or three times) including the first jackpot. In addition, the present invention may be implemented as a pachinko machine in which a specific gaming state is entered when a ball enters a specific winning hole after a jackpot pattern is displayed. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as various gaming machines other than pachinko machines, such as arranged ball type pachinko, mahjong ball, and a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine.

In addition, in a slot machine, for example, a coin is inserted and the effective line of the symbols is determined, and then the operation lever is operated to change the symbols, and the stop button is operated to stop and confirm the symbols. Therefore, the basic concept of a slot machine is "a slot machine equipped with a variable display means (reel and reel drive means) that displays a variable display of a pattern row (three reels) consisting of multiple symbols, and then displays the fixed symbols, and equipped with a special game state generating means that generates a special game state advantageous to the player, where the variation of the symbols is started due to the operation of a start operation means (e.g., an operation lever), the variation of the symbols is stopped due to the operation of a stop operation means (e.g., a stop button) or after a predetermined time has passed, and the fixed symbols at the time of the stop are required to be specific symbols." In this case, typical examples of the game medium are coins, medals, etc.

A specific example of a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine is one that has a variable display means that displays a variable pattern sequence consisting of multiple patterns and then determines the pattern, but does not have a handle for shooting balls. In this case, after a predetermined amount of gaming balls are inserted based on a predetermined operation (button operation), the pattern begins to change due to, for example, the operation of an operating lever, and the pattern change is stopped due to, for example, the operation of a stop button or after a predetermined time has passed, and a jackpot state that is advantageous to the player is generated, provided that the determined pattern at the time of the stop is a so-called jackpot pattern, and a large number of balls are paid out to the player in a tray at the bottom.

This specification also discloses the following gaming machine-related invention:

<First issue>
2. Description of the Related Art Typical examples of conventional gaming machines include pachinko machines and slot machines.

Some gaming machines of this type, for example, acquire judgment information used for a predetermined judgment regarding the game when a predetermined condition is met, make a judgment regarding the game using the judgment information, and display a display effect based on the result of the judgment on the display device. Some gaming machines of this type also execute various suggestive effects that suggest the result of the judgment to the player while the display effect is being displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1: JP 2018-33922 A (page 199 and figure 209)).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, if the suggestive performance does not offer much hope of a win, it is difficult for the player to view the display performance while maintaining a sense of expectation regarding the outcome of the display performance.

The following invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players in the display effects that include suggestive effects that give players an idea of the results of game-related judgments.

(A1) a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information used for a predetermined determination regarding a game when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A determination means for making a determination regarding a game using the determination information;
A display means capable of displaying a display performance including a pattern change display from when a plurality of patterns start to change to when the pattern stops at a combination that indicates a result of the determination by the determination means;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a winning variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of the pattern variation display when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination, determining a losing variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a losing combination, and determining a special variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that a special variation in which the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination after being temporarily stopped by a losing combination is executed;
A suggestive effect determination means for determining a predetermined suggestive effect from among a plurality of suggestive effects that suggest that the symbol variation display may match the winning combination;
A suggestion performance execution means for executing the predetermined suggestion performance determined by the suggestion performance determination means,
The suggestive performance determination means determines, when the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, to execute a special suggestive performance that suggests to a player that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means may be the special variation pattern before the special variation is executed;
The suggested performance execution means executes the special suggested performance determined by the suggested performance determination means during the period from when the special variation pattern is determined to when the special variation is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A1), when the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is a special variation pattern, the suggestive effect determination means determines to execute a special suggestive effect that suggests to the player that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means may be a special variation pattern before the special variation is executed. Between the determination of the variation pattern corresponding to the special variation pattern and the execution of the special variation, the special suggestive effect determined by the suggestive effect determination means is executed by the suggestive effect execution means. As a result, if the player notices the special suggestive effect and can understand the suggestive content, he or she can notice that the determined variation pattern may be a special variation pattern before the special variation is executed. Therefore, by noticing the special suggestive effect, the player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of expectation that the special variation pattern has been determined from the execution of the special suggestive effect to the execution of the special variation. As a result, the interest in the display effect accompanied by the suggestive effect that suggests to the player the result of the judgment regarding the game can be improved.

(A2) In the gaming machine described in (A1),
The special variation is a revival big win variation in which the symbol variation display is stopped once with a losing combination, and then the symbol variation display is stopped with a winning combination.

According to the invention described in (A2), by noticing the special suggestion effect, the player can continue to watch the display effects while maintaining a sense of expectation that the variation pattern for the revival jackpot variation has been determined from the time the special suggestion effect is executed until the special variation is executed.

(A3) In the gaming machine described in (A1) or (A2) above,
Before the special variation is executed, it is a timing before the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed,
The period from when the special variation pattern is determined to when the special variation is executed is the period from when the special variation pattern is determined to when the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A3) above, by noticing the special suggestive effect, the player can continue to watch the display effects while maintaining a sense of expectation that the special variation pattern has been determined from the time the special suggestive effect is executed until the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed. As a result, the interest in the display effects from the time the variation pattern is determined until the pattern variation display based on the variation pattern is executed can be improved.

(A4) In the gaming machine described in (A1) or (A2) above,
"Before the special variation is executed" refers to the timing from when the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed to when the special variation is executed during the pattern variation display,
The period from when the special variation pattern is determined to when the special performance is executed is the timing from when the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern is executed to when the special variation is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A4) above, by noticing the special suggestive effect, the player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of anticipation that the special variation pattern has been determined, from the time when the special suggestive effect is executed during the pattern variation display based on the special variation pattern until the special variation is executed. As a result, the interest in the display effect during the pattern variation display can be improved.

(A5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A1) to (A4),
a storage means having a plurality of reserved storage areas capable of storing the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means;
The display means is capable of displaying a reserved image indicating that the symbol variation display based on the stored information for judgment may match the winning combination when the information for judgment is stored in the reserved memory area,
The suggestion performance determination means, when the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, determines to execute the special suggestion performance using a reserved image corresponding to the judgment information in which the special variation pattern is determined,
The suggestion effect execution means executes the special suggestion effect using the reserved image during the period from when the reserved image is displayed until when the special variation is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A5) above, if the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is a special variation pattern, a special suggestion effect using the reserved image is executed between the time when the reserved image corresponding to the judgment information by which the special variation pattern was determined is displayed and the time when the special variation is executed. In this way, the player understands that the reserved image may correspond to a special variation pattern by recognizing the special suggestion effect using the reserved image. As a result, after recognizing the special suggestion effect using the reserved image, the player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of expectation that a special variation pattern has been determined, until the special effect is executed during the pattern variation display based on the judgment information corresponding to the reserved image. As a result, the interest in the display effect can be improved.

(A6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A1) to (A3) and (5),
The reserved memory area has a pre-execution reserved memory area in which the determination information before the pattern variation display is executed is stored,
The display means is capable of displaying a pre-execution pending image indicating that the symbol variation display based on the stored judgment information may be aligned in a winning combination when the judgment information is stored in the pre-execution pending memory area,
When the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, the suggestion performance determination means determines to execute the special suggestion performance using the pre-execution pending image corresponding to the judgment information in which the special variation pattern is determined,
The suggestion effect execution means executes the special suggestion effect using the pre-execution pending image between the time the pre-execution pending image is displayed and the time the special variation is executed, characterized in that the gaming machine.

According to the gaming machine described in (A6) above, if the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is a special variation pattern, a special suggestion effect using the pre-execution pending image is executed between the time when the pre-execution pending image corresponding to the judgment information in which the special variation pattern is determined is displayed and the time when the special variation is executed. As a result, the player understands that the pre-execution pending image may correspond to a special variation pattern by recognizing the special suggestion effect using the pre-execution pending image. As a result, after recognizing the special suggestion effect using the pre-execution pending image, the player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of expectation that a special variation pattern has been determined for the pre-execution pending image while the pre-execution pending image is displayed. As a result, the interest in the display effect can be improved.

(A7) In the gaming machine described in (A1), (A2), (A4) to (A6),
The reserved memory area has a reserved memory area in which the judgment information corresponding to the pattern variation display executed by the display means is stored,
The display means is capable of displaying a reserved image indicating that the symbol variation display based on the stored judgment information may be aligned in a winning combination when the judgment information is stored in the reserved memory area,
When the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, the suggestion performance determination means determines to execute the special suggestion performance using the reserved image corresponding to the judgment information in which the special variation pattern is determined,
The suggestion effect execution means executes the special suggestion effect using the reserved image while the reserved image is displayed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A7) above, if the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is a special variation pattern, a special suggestion effect is executed using the reserved image corresponding to the judgment information from which the special variation pattern was determined while the reserved image is displayed. This allows the player to understand that the reserved image may correspond to a special variation pattern by visually checking the special suggestion effect for the reserved image. As a result, after visually checking the special suggestion effect using the reserved image, the player can continue to watch the display effect while maintaining a sense of expectation that a special variation pattern has been determined for the reserved image while the pattern variation display based on the reserved image is being executed. As a result, the interest in the display effect can be improved.

(A8) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A1), (A2), (A4), (A5), and (A7),
The winning fluctuation pattern is:
The method includes a normal variation in which the multiple symbols start to vary in front of a normal background displayed while the multiple symbols are not varying, a reach variation in which the remaining one symbol varies in front of a reach background displayed during a reach establishment in which the multiple symbols are aligned in the winning combination except for one remaining symbol among the multiple symbols after the normal variation, and a winning stop in which the multiple symbols are aligned in the winning combination after the reach variation,
The miss fluctuation pattern includes the normal fluctuation, the reach fluctuation, a reach miss stop in which the remaining one symbol stops in the miss combination in front of the reach background after the reach fluctuation, and a miss stop in which the miss combination stops in front of the normal background after the reach miss stop,
The special variation pattern includes the normal variation, the reach variation, the reach failure stop, and a revival winning variation in which the plurality of symbols are aligned in the winning combination after passing through the reach failure stop,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the special variation pattern is determined, the suggestion performance execution means executes the specific suggestion performance from when the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background and before the display of the miss stop ends in front of the normal background.

According to the gaming machine described in (A8), the pattern change display executed in the miss change pattern displays normal change, reach change, reach miss stop, and miss stop. The pattern change display executed in the special change pattern displays normal change, reach change, reach miss stop, and revival win change, but the reach miss stop executed in the special change pattern is displayed in front of the reach background and then ends in front of the normal background, so it is recognized by the player as a pattern change display executed in a miss pattern (reach miss stop and miss stop). Since the revival win change is executed after the reach miss stop display ends in front of the normal background, the player recognizes that the pattern change display was accompanied by a revival performance. Since the specific suggestion performance is executed before the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background and the miss stop display ends in front of the normal background, it is possible to suggest to the player that there is a high possibility of a winning combination being lined up during the period in which the pattern change display ends with a miss pattern and the player does not recognize that a revival performance will follow.

Therefore, for players who have seen or are familiar with special variation patterns, even when a reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background and then in front of the normal background as a result of not only special variation patterns but also miss variation patterns, it is possible to show a display performance including a pattern variation display with a revival win variation while maintaining a sense of expectation that a specific suggestion performance will occur from the time when the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background until the final moment of the pattern variation display when the reach miss stop ends in front of the normal background. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the display performance including the pattern variation display with a revival win variation.

(A9) In the gaming machine according to (A8),
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the special variation pattern is executed, the manner in which the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background and then the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background is the same as the manner in which the reach miss stop is displayed and then the miss stop is displayed when the miss variation pattern is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A9) above, the symbol change display of the special change pattern is actually being executed, but since it is the same as the change and stopping of the multiple symbols in the losing change pattern, the specific suggestion effect can be executed at the timing that the player recognizes as the end of the symbol change display of the losing pattern. As a result, it is possible to show the player a display effect including a symbol change display with a revival winning change, while maintaining the player's sense of expectation that the specific suggestion effect will occur until the very last moment of the symbol change display.

(A10) In the gaming machine described in (A9),
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the special variation pattern is executed, the reach background and the normal background displayed from when the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background until the reach miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background are identical to the reach background and the normal background displayed from when the reach miss stop is displayed until the miss stop is displayed when the miss variation pattern is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A10) above, the symbol change display of the special change pattern is actually being executed, but since the same background image as that in the losing change pattern is displayed, the specific suggestion effect can be executed at a timing that the player recognizes as the end of the symbol change display of the losing pattern based on the background image. As a result, even if the background image is such that the player can guess the losing pattern, it is possible to show the display effect including the symbol change display with the revival winning change while maintaining the player's sense of expectation that the specific suggestion effect will occur until the very last moment of the symbol change display.

(A11) In the gaming machine described in (A1) to (A10),
The suggestive performance determination means determines a predetermined suggestive performance pattern to be executed during one symbol variation display from among a plurality of suggestive performance patterns in which suggestive performances are performed a plurality of times during one symbol variation display,
The suggestive performance determination means causes the display means to execute a predetermined suggestive performance pattern determined by the suggestive performance determination means,
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the specific suggestive performance, a suggestive performance which is performed multiple times suggests that there is a higher possibility that the multiple symbols will line up in the winning combination in a suggestive performance which is performed after the reach-miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background and before the display of the reach-miss stop has ended in front of the normal background, than in a suggestive performance which is performed before the reach-miss stop is displayed in front of the reach background.

According to the gaming machine described in (A11) above, even though a symbol change display of a special change pattern is actually being executed, it appears that a symbol change display of a losing pattern is being executed, and the suggested performance pattern executed during the symbol change display is limited to a suggested performance in which the probability of multiple symbols lining up in a winning combination is low, so that a specific suggested performance can be executed at a timing that the player recognizes as the end of the symbol change display of a losing pattern, even if the suggested performance pattern is such that the player can guess a losing pattern. As a result, it is possible to show a display performance including a symbol change display with a revival winning performance, while maintaining the player's sense of expectation that a specific suggested performance will occur until the very last moment of the symbol change display, even if the suggested performance pattern is such that the player can guess a losing pattern.

(A12) In the gaming machine according to (A1) or (A11),
The specific suggestion effect is a winning specific suggestion effect that suggests that the multiple symbols will definitely line up in the winning combination.

According to the gaming machine described in (A12) above, when the symbol change display has ended with a miss pattern and the player is not aware that a revival big win effect will follow, it is possible to suggest to the player that a winning combination of multiple symbols will definitely be lined up, thereby showing the player a display effect including a symbol change display with a revival win effect while maintaining the player's sense of expectation that a specific suggestion effect will occur until the very last moment of the symbol change display.

(A13) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A8) to (A12),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the suggestion performance execution means executes the specific suggestion performance while the miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background in the pattern change display executed in the special change pattern.

According to the gaming machine described in (A13) above, when a miss stop is displayed in front of the normal background in the pattern change display executed in the special change pattern, the pattern change display is recognized by the player as being confirmed as a miss pattern. By executing a specific suggestion effect at this timing, even if the pattern change display appears to be confirmed as a miss, it is possible to show a display effect including a pattern change display with a revival winning change while maintaining the expectation that the specific suggestion effect will occur until the very last moment of the pattern change display.

(A14) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A8) to (A13),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the suggestive performance execution means executes the specific suggestive performance at approximately the same time as the background image displayed behind the reach-miss stop returns from the reach background to the normal background in the pattern change display executed in the special change pattern.

According to the gaming machine described in (A14) above, when the background image displayed behind the missed reach stop in the pattern change display executed in the special change pattern returns from the reach background to the normal background, the pattern change display is recognized by the player as being confirmed as a miss pattern. By executing a specific suggestion effect at this timing, it is possible to show a display effect including a pattern change display with a revival winning change, while maintaining the expectation that a specific suggestion effect will occur until the very last moment of the pattern change display.

(A15) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A8) to (A13),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the suggestive performance execution means executes the specific suggestive performance during the display of the normal background after the background image displayed behind the reach-miss stop returns from the reach background to the normal background in the pattern change display executed in the special change pattern.

According to the gaming machine described in (A15) above, in the pattern change display executed in the special change pattern, after the timing when the background image displayed behind the reach miss stop returns from the reach background to the normal background and while the normal background is being displayed, the pattern change display is confirmed as a miss pattern, and the player recognizes that the standby screen has been entered until the start of the next pattern change display. By executing a specific suggestion effect at this timing, it is possible to show a display effect including a pattern change display with a revival win change, while maintaining the expectation that a specific suggestion effect will occur until the very last moment of the pattern change display.

(A16) In the gaming machine described in (A6) above,
The special suggestion performance is a special reserve change that changes the reserved image to a special reserve image that indicates a higher possibility of the winning combination than the possibility indicated by the reserved image displayed during the pattern change display.

According to the gaming machine described above in (A16), even if a losing combination is displayed while the reserved image indicates that the probability of the reserved image being a winning combination is low, the pattern change display can be shown in a state of anticipation until the end of the pattern change display, where the special reserved image will change to a special reserved image indicating a higher probability than the winning combination.

(A17) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A1) to (A4) or (A8) to (15),
The suggestive effect determination means is a background composition image determination means for determining a predetermined background composition image to be displayed during the pattern variation display from among a plurality of background composition images which are images suggesting that the plurality of symbols may be aligned in the jackpot combination and which constitute the rear side of the plurality of symbols;
the suggestion effect execution means is a background composition image display execution means for causing the display means to display the predetermined background composition image determined by the background composition image determination means,
The background image determination means determines, at least when the special variation pattern is determined, to display a specific background composition image, which is a background composition image that suggests that there is a high possibility that the multiple patterns will line up in the winning combination among the multiple background composition images, during the period from when the special variation pattern is determined to when the special variation is executed.

According to the gaming machine described above in (A17), even if the symbol change display shows a losing combination, the symbol change display can be shown in a state where the player can expect, until the very end of the symbol change display, that a specific background composition image, which is a background composition image that suggests that there is a high possibility that multiple symbols among the multiple background composition images will line up in a winning combination, will be displayed.

(A18) In the gaming machine described in (A17) above,
The background composition image determination means is a background pattern determination means for determining a predetermined background pattern to be executed during the pattern change display as a predetermined suggestion performance from among a plurality of background patterns displayed as a background of the pattern change display;
the background composition image display execution means is a background pattern execution means for causing the display means to sequentially display a plurality of background images in accordance with the predetermined background pattern determined by the background pattern determination means;
The background pattern determination means determines a specific background pattern that changes a background image suggesting that the multiple symbols are unlikely to line up in the winning combination just before the special variation is executed to a background image suggesting that the multiple symbols are likely to line up in the winning combination during the period from when the special variation pattern is determined to when the special variation is executed, at least when the special variation pattern is determined.

According to the gaming machine described in (A18) above, even if the symbol change display shows a losing combination, the symbol change display can be shown in a state where the player can expect a background change in a specific background pattern until the end of the symbol change display, in which a background image suggesting that the multiple symbols are unlikely to line up in a winning combination just before the special change is executed changes to a background image suggesting that the multiple symbols are likely to line up in a winning combination.

(A19) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A1) to (A4) or (A8) to (15),
The special suggestive performance is a special symbol change that changes at least one of a plurality of symbols constituting the losing combination into a special symbol that suggests a high possibility of the combination forming the jackpot.

According to the gaming machine described above in (A19), the pattern change display can be shown in a state where the player can expect, until the very end, a special pattern change that indicates that at least one of the multiple patterns that make up a losing combination is highly likely to be a winning combination,

(A20) In the gaming machine according to any one of (A1) to (A4) or (A8) to (15),
A pre-suggested performance determination means for determining a predetermined pre-suggested performance from among a plurality of pre-suggested performances that suggest the execution of the special suggestive performance;
a pre-suggested performance execution means for executing the predetermined pre-suggested performance determined by the pre-suggested performance determination means;
The pre-suggested performance determination means determines a specific pre-suggested performance to be executed before the special suggestion performance is executed when the special variation pattern is determined,
The pre-suggested performance execution means executes the specific pre-suggested performance determined by the pre-suggested performance determination means before the special suggested performance is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (A20) above, when a special variation pattern is determined, a pre-suggested effect is executed before the special suggested effect is executed, so not only is there the gameplay of not knowing whether a specific suggested effect will be executed or not, but there is also the added gameplay of knowing that a specific suggested effect will be executed if a specific pre-suggested effect is executed when a special variation pattern is determined, so that the display effects in which the special variation pattern is executed can be diversified.

(A21) In the gaming machine described in (A20) above,
The pre-suggested effect determination means determines a first specific pre-suggested effect suggesting that the special suggestive effect is likely to be executed when the special variation pattern is determined, and determines a second specific pre-suggested effect suggesting that the special suggestive effect is unlikely to be executed when the miss variation pattern is determined, in a gaming machine characterized by the above.

According to the gaming machine described in (21) above, when a special variation pattern is determined, a first specific pre-suggestion effect is executed, which suggests that a special suggestion effect is likely to be executed, and when a miss variation pattern is determined, a second specific pre-suggestion effect is executed, which suggests that a special suggestion effect is unlikely to be executed. This adds to the gameplay of being able to know whether or not a special suggestion effect is likely to be executed depending on the type of specific pre-suggestion effect, making it possible to diversify the gameplay of the display effects including the special variation pattern.

<Second issue>
2. Description of the Related Art Typical examples of conventional gaming machines include pachinko machines and slot machines.

Some gaming machines of this type obtain information for determination used for a predetermined determination regarding the game when a predetermined condition is met, make a determination regarding the game using the information for determination, and display a pattern change display based on the result of the determination on a display device. Some gaming machines of this type also execute various suggestive effects during the pattern change display that suggest the result of the determination to the player (for example, see Patent Document 1: JP 2018-33922 A (page 199 and figure 209)).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, if the suggestive performance does not offer much hope of winning, it is difficult to watch the varying symbol display while maintaining a sense of expectation for the outcome of the varying symbol display.

The following invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players in the pattern change display that includes suggestive effects that give players an idea of the results of game-related decisions.

(B1) a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information used for a predetermined determination regarding a game when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A determination means for making a determination regarding a game using the determination information;
A display means capable of displaying a display performance including a pattern change display from when a plurality of patterns start to change in a state where they are combined with a picture corresponding to the pattern to when they stop at a combination that indicates a result of the determination by the determination means;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a winning variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of the pattern variation display when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination, determining a losing variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a losing combination, and determining a special variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that a special variation in which the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination after being temporarily stopped by a losing combination is executed;
A suggestive effect determination means for determining a predetermined suggestive effect from among a plurality of suggestive effects that suggest that the symbol variation display may be aligned in the winning combination;
A suggestion performance execution means for executing the predetermined suggestion performance determined by the suggestion performance determination means,
The suggestive performance determination means, when the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, determines to execute a special suggestive performance that suggests to a player that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means may be the special variation pattern;
The suggestive performance execution means executes the special suggestive performance when the symbol changing display stops in a state where the symbol indicating the reach miss is combined with the picture after the symbol changing display is in a reach-miss state where all but one remaining symbol among the plurality of symbols is aligned in the winning combination and the remaining symbol stops to form the losing combination, resulting in a reach miss.

According to the gaming machine described in (B1), when the symbol change display is in a reach-miss state in which all but one remaining symbol among the multiple symbols are aligned in a winning combination, and the remaining symbol stops to form a losing combination, and the symbol change display stops with the symbol indicating the reach-miss combined with the symbol, a special suggestive effect is executed by the suggestive effect execution means. When the symbol change display is in a reach-miss state due to a losing combination of symbols, and the symbol change display stops with the symbol indicating the reach-miss combined with the symbol, this is the timing that makes the player think that the losing combination of the symbol change display has been confirmed, or that it is a waiting period until the next time multiple symbols start to change in a combined state with the symbol, it is possible to suggest to the player that the change pattern may be a special change pattern at a timing when the player would never expect a suggestive effect to be executed. In addition, after the symbol change display becomes a reach miss due to a miss combination of symbols, the display performance including the symbol change display can be shown while maintaining the expectation that the change pattern is a special change pattern until the last moment of the symbol change display when the symbol indicating the reach miss is combined with the picture. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the symbol change display accompanied by the suggestive performance that suggests to the player the result of the judgment regarding the game.

(B2) In the gaming machine described in (B1),
A gaming machine characterized by combining the configurations of the gaming machines described in any one of (A5), (A7), (A8) to (A15).

The gaming machine described in (B2) above has the same effect as the gaming machine described in any one of (A5), (A7), (A8) to (A15).

<Third issue>
2. Description of the Related Art Typical examples of conventional gaming machines include pachinko machines and slot machines.

Some gaming machines of this type, for example, acquire judgment information used for a predetermined judgment regarding the game when a predetermined condition is met, make a judgment regarding the game using the judgment information, and display a symbol change display based on the result of the judgment on a display device. In addition, some gaming machines of this type execute a reach display presentation that suggests the result of the judgment to the player after a reach is reached in the symbol change display (for example, see Patent Document 1: JP 2018-33922 A).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
That is, in conventional gaming machines, if the reach display performance does not offer much hope of winning, it is difficult to view the symbol variation display while maintaining a sense of expectation for the outcome of the symbol variation display.

The following invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players in the pattern change display accompanied by a reach display effect that suggests to the player the results of the game-related judgment.

(C1) a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information used for a predetermined determination regarding a game when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A determination means for making a determination regarding a game using the determination information;
a display means capable of displaying a symbol variation display from when a plurality of symbols start to vary until the symbols stop at a combination that indicates a result of the determination by the determination means, and a reach display effect that is executed after a reach is established in which all symbols except one remaining symbol among the plurality of symbols are aligned in the winning combination;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a winning variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of the pattern variation display when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination, determining a losing variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a losing combination, and determining a special variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that a special variation in which the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination after being temporarily stopped by a losing combination is executed;
A suggestive effect determination means for determining a predetermined suggestive effect from among a plurality of suggestive effects that suggest that the symbol variation display may match the winning combination;
A suggestion performance execution means for executing the predetermined suggestion performance determined by the suggestion performance determination means,
The suggestive performance determination means determines, when the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, to execute a special suggestive performance that suggests to a player that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means may be the special variation pattern before the special variation is executed;
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the special suggestive effect is determined by the suggestive effect determination means, the suggestive effect execution means executes the special suggestive effect determined by the suggestive effect determination means from the time when it is made recognizable to a player that the display mode in the reach display effect is different from the display mode when the winning variation pattern is determined, until the special variation is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (C1) above, when the display mode is made identifiable to the player as being different from the display mode when a winning variation pattern is determined in the display performance, this is the timing at which the player can be made to think that the specific display performance will not be the pattern when the pattern variation display is aligned in a winning combination, so it is possible to suggest to the player that the variation pattern may be a special variation pattern at the moment when the player is about to give up. As a result, even during the period from when the display mode is made identifiable to the player as being different from the display mode when a winning variation pattern is determined in the display performance to when the special variation is executed, a reach display performance can be shown in the pattern variation display while maintaining the expectation that the variation pattern is a special variation pattern. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the pattern variation display accompanied by the reach display performance that suggests to the player the result of the judgment regarding the game.

(C2) In the gaming machine described in (C1),
A gaming machine characterized in that, after the reach is established, the time when it is made possible for the player to identify that the display mode is different from the display mode when the winning fluctuation pattern is determined in the display performance is when specific display information is displayed that is made possible for the player to identify that the display mode is different from the display mode when the winning fluctuation pattern is determined in the reach display performance.

According to the gaming machine described in (C2) above, when specific display information that is identifiable to the player as being in a different display mode from the display mode when a jackpot variation pattern is determined in a reach display performance is displayed, it is possible to suggest to the player that the variation pattern may be a special variation pattern. Therefore, even during the period from when the display mode is identifiable to the player as being different from the display mode when a winning variation pattern is determined in a reach display performance to when a special variation is executed, a display performance including a reach display performance can be shown while maintaining the expectation that the variation pattern is a special variation pattern. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the pattern variation display accompanied by the reach display performance.

(C3) In the gaming machine described in (C2),
The specific display information is reach-miss display information that enables a player to identify that the remaining symbol in the reach display presentation is a display mode in which the remaining symbol is aligned in the losing combination.

According to the gaming machine described in (C3), the specific display information is reach-miss display information that allows the player to identify that the remaining symbol in the reach display performance is a display mode in which a missing combination is lined up, so that at the time when the player is disappointed upon seeing the reach-miss display information, it is possible to suggest to the player that the variation pattern may be a special variation pattern. Therefore, even during the period from when the reach-miss display information is displayed in the reach display performance until the special variation is executed, it is possible to show a display performance including a reach display performance while maintaining the expectation that the variation pattern is a special variation pattern. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the symbol variation display accompanied by the reach display performance.

(C4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (C1) to (C3),
A gaming machine characterized by combining the configurations of the gaming machines described in any one of (A5), (A7), (A8) to (A15).

The gaming machine described in (C4) above has the same effect as the gaming machine described in any of (A5), (A7), (A8) to (A15).

<Fourth issue>
2. Description of the Related Art Typical examples of conventional gaming machines include pachinko machines and slot machines.

Some gaming machines of this type, for example, acquire judgment information used for a predetermined judgment regarding the game when a predetermined condition is met, make a judgment regarding the game using the judgment information, and display a pattern change display based on the result of the judgment on a display device. Some gaming machines of this type also execute a reach display effect that suggests to the player the result of the judgment after a reach is reached in the pattern change display, and execute a suggestion information display effect that suggests that the result of the judgment is advantageous to the player by changing the display mode of suggestion information that suggests to the player the result of the judgment during the reach display effect (for example, see Patent Document 1: JP 2018-33922 A).

However, the conventional example having such a configuration has the following problems.
In other words, in conventional gaming machines, unless the display mode of the suggestive information changes to the mode desired by the player, there is a problem that it is difficult for the player to view the pattern change display while maintaining a sense of anticipation regarding the outcome of the pattern change display.

The following invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase interest in the changing pattern display accompanied by a suggestive information display performance in which the display mode of suggestive information that suggests the outcome of a game-related judgment changes.

(D1) a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information used for a predetermined determination regarding a game when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
A determination means for making a determination regarding a game using the determination information;
A display means having a display screen capable of displaying a display performance including a pattern change display from when a plurality of patterns start to change in front of a normal background to when the pattern stops at a combination that indicates a result of the determination by the determination means;
A variation pattern determination means for determining a winning variation pattern from among a plurality of variation patterns indicating the variation mode of the pattern variation display when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination, determining a losing variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that the pattern variation display is stopped by a losing combination, and determining a special variation pattern when the judgment result indicates that a special variation in which the pattern variation display is stopped by a winning combination after being temporarily stopped by a losing combination is executed;
A suggestive effect determination means for determining a predetermined suggestive effect from among a plurality of suggestive effects that suggest that the symbol variation display may be aligned in the winning combination;
A suggestion performance execution means for executing the predetermined suggestion performance determined by the suggestion performance determination means,
The suggestive performance determination means determines, when the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means is the special variation pattern, to execute a special suggestive performance that suggests to a player that the variation pattern determined by the variation pattern determination means may be the special variation pattern before the special variation is executed;
The suggested performance execution means, when the special suggested performance is determined by the suggested performance determination means, executes the specific suggested performance by suggesting that the possibility of the winning combination suggested by the suggested information being lined up in the winning combination is higher than the predetermined probability when the suggestive information is made difficult for the player to see at a predetermined timing during the pattern changing display, and when the suggestive information is made easier for the player to see again after the losing combination has stopped in front of the normal background and before the special variation is executed, executes the specific suggested performance.

According to the gaming machine described in (D1), when a special suggestive effect is determined by the suggestive effect determination means, suggestive information during the pattern change display that the possibility of the pattern change display lining up in a winning combination is higher than the predetermined height is displayed, thereby suggesting to the player that the variation pattern may be a special variation pattern. The suggestive information during the pattern change display that the possibility of the pattern change display lining up in a winning combination is made difficult for the player to see at a predetermined timing during the pattern change display, so that the player does not have to continue to see suggestive information that does not suggest that the variation pattern may be a special variation pattern until the end of the pattern change display. The suggestive information that has been made difficult to see is made easy to see again from the time when the losing combination is stopped in front of the normal background until the special variation is executed, so that the suggestive information can be shown to the player again at a suitable timing for suggesting a special variation pattern to the player, such as making the player think that the pattern change display has been confirmed as a losing combination or that it is a waiting period until the next pattern change display is started. When the suggestive information is made easily visible to the player again, the possibility of the jackpot combination suggested by the suggestive information being lined up is higher than before the suggestive information was made difficult to see, so the moment the player sees the suggestive information again, he or she is given the suggestion that it may be a special variation pattern. This allows the player to continue watching the display performance including the pattern variation display while the pattern variation display is in a state of maintaining a sense of expectation that the pattern variation display will be lined up as a winning combination, and even after a losing combination is displayed, the player can continue watching the display performance including the pattern variation display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the variation pattern is a special variation pattern until the very last moment of the pattern variation display. As a result, it is possible to improve the interest in the pattern variation display accompanied by the suggestive information display performance in which the display mode of the suggestive information suggesting the result of the game-related judgment changes.

(D2) In the gaming machine described in (D1),
The gaming machine is characterized in that when the suggestive information is made easily visible to the player again, it is after the pattern change display is in a reach state in which all but one remaining pattern among the multiple patterns is aligned, and a reach-miss combination in which the remaining pattern stops to become the missing combination is displayed in front of a reach background that is displayed during the reach, and from when the reach-miss combination is stopped in front of the normal background until the special variation is executed.

According to the gaming machine described in (D2), the suggestive information that has been made difficult to see is made easily visible again after the symbol change display is in a reach state and the reach-miss combination is displayed in front of the reach background, and after the reach-miss combination is stopped in front of the normal background and before the special change is executed. Therefore, the suggestive information can be shown to the player again at a suitable timing for suggesting a special change pattern to the player, so that the player thinks that the symbol change display has been confirmed as a reach-miss combination, or that the player is in a waiting period until the next symbol change display is started. This allows the player to continue watching the display performance including the symbol change display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the symbol change display will be a winning combination during the reach state, and even after the reach-miss combination is displayed, the player can continue watching the display performance including the symbol change display while maintaining a sense of expectation that the change pattern is a special change pattern until the last moment of the symbol change display. As a result, the impact on the player who is disappointed by the reach-miss result can be increased.

(D3) In the gaming machine according to (D1) or (D2),
A gaming machine characterized by combining the configurations of the gaming machines described in any one of (A5), (A7), (A8) to (A15).

The gaming machine described in (D3) above has the same effect as the gaming machine described in any one of (A5), (A7), (A8) to (A15).

The present invention, the inventions described in (A1) to (D3) above, the inventions described in each of the embodiments 1 to 5, and the inventions described in the modified embodiments (1) to (8) above may be appropriately combined or substituted as long as they are not mutually exclusive. In addition, as long as it is not contrary to the purpose of each invention, it is also possible to delete components or change the components to components having the same action or function.

As described above, this invention is suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines.

42...Third pattern display device 42a...Display screen NH...Normal background HD...Bubble image TH...Relevant hold display H1...First hold display H2...Second hold display H3...Third hold display H4...Fourth hold display SZ...Main decorative pattern HZ...Development pattern HH1...Reach development background HH2...Reach development background HH3...Reach development background HH4...Revival background

Claims (1)

A main control means for performing main control regarding a game;
A sub-control means for performing a secondary control in accordance with an instruction from the main control means,
The main control means
a determination information acquisition means for acquiring determination information used for a game when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
a determination means for making a determination regarding the game using the determination information;
The gaming machine includes:
A display means capable of displaying a display performance including a pattern change display from when a plurality of patterns start to change to when the patterns stop in a combination based on a result of the determination by the determination means,
The sub-control means
A variation pattern determination means capable of determining a winning variation pattern in which the pattern variation display is stopped at a winning combination when the judgment result is a winning result, and a losing variation pattern in which the pattern variation display is stopped at a losing combination when the judgment result is a losing result, from among a plurality of variation patterns showing the variation mode of the pattern variation display;
A suggestive effect determination means for determining a predetermined suggestive effect from among a plurality of suggestive effects that suggest that the symbol variation display may be aligned in the winning combination,
A special variation stop in which the symbol variation display is stopped by the winning combination includes a special winning variation pattern that is executed after the symbol variation display is temporarily displayed by the losing combination,
The gaming machine includes:
A suggestion performance execution means for executing the predetermined suggestion performance determined by the suggestion performance determination means,
In the case where the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determination means is the special winning fluctuation pattern, a special suggestion performance is executed to suggest to a player that the fluctuation pattern determined by the fluctuation pattern determination means may be the special winning fluctuation pattern before the special fluctuation stop is executed.
The gaming machine is configured such that, after the losing combination is displayed in a first display mode in which the losing combination is recognizable, the display mode of the losing combination is changed to a second display mode different from the first display mode while maintaining the losing combination in a recognizable state, the special suggestion performance is executed in a state in which the changed second display mode is recognizable, and then the special variation stop is executed;
At least a part of the special suggestion effect may overlap with at least a part of the losing combination in the second display mode.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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