JP7548545B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, and can be applied in particular to pachinko gaming machines.

Conventionally, gaming machines are widely known that allow the player to play a special game in which a specific benefit can be awarded if a win/loss determination is made based on the establishment of a predetermined condition. In this type of gaming machine, it is common for a variable effect to be performed in which multiple symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the result of the win/loss determination (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-95470 A

However, variable presentations based on the results of win/lose determinations tend to be uniform in appearance, and there is room for further improvement in order to increase the interest of gaming machines that offer variable presentations.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of variable presentations.

To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following configuration.

The gaming machine according to the first embodiment includes:
A gaming machine that allows a player to play a special game that can provide a player with a predetermined benefit when a result of a win/loss determination executed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is a specific result,
A display means capable of displaying a plurality of patterns;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance,
The design includes a number design element and a character design element,
The performance execution means includes:
Based on the result of the hit/miss determination , a variation effect in which the plurality of symbols are displayed in a varying manner and then stopped , a first reach effect, and a second reach effect in which it is easier to notify that the result of the hit/miss determination is the specific result than the first reach effect, are executable.
During the period from the start to the end of one of the variable performances executed based on the result of the win/loss determination, a variable performance can be executed in which the display mode of one of the number pattern elements and the character pattern elements included in a stopped pattern that has been stopped and displayed as a reach pattern after a variable display among the multiple patterns changes, and then the display mode of the other pattern element changes;
The change performance is a performance executed using a stopped pattern that is stopped and displayed as the reach pattern in a state where some of the plurality of patterns are not stopped and displayed,
In the change performance, the stop display mode of the stop pattern before the display mode of the number pattern element and the character pattern element changes and the stop display mode of the stop pattern after the display mode of the number pattern element and the character pattern element changes are different from each other ,
The performance execution means includes:
The gist of the invention is that when the change presentation is executed, both the change presentation and the second reach presentation can be executed .

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the interest of the changing effects.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display shown in FIG. 3, showing displays provided in the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. This is a table showing the correspondence between the type of jackpot and the opening pattern of the jackpot opening. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a jackpot type determination table, (C) is a normal pattern hit determination table, and (D) is a normal pattern change pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of an interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a start port sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a general operation process. 13 is a flowchart of normal symbol waiting processing. This is a flowchart of the normal pattern correctness determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal pattern random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during normal pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of the normal pattern determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal electric device processing. 13 is a flowchart of special chart operation processing. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 correctness determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of the special drawing 1 correct/incorrect determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. This is a flowchart for processing special electric devices (jackpot play). 13 is a flowchart of a V round process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. 13 is a flowchart of a specific area sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a non-specific area sensor detection process. This is a flowchart of the processing at the time of the initial goal. 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 2 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance end processing. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance end processing. This is a table showing the correspondence between the type of jackpot and the timing of movable piece operation (first specified value and second specified value) in a V round. A timing chart showing the relationship between the second large prize opening sensor and a specific area (movable piece). A schematic diagram of the second large prize device. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of a battle mode. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a display screen of a battle mode. (A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a right-hit instruction notification during the jackpot stop display time, (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a right-hit instruction notification during the opening period, and (C) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of a right-hit instruction notification during a round of play. 13 is a table showing the performance patterns of Example 2. An explanatory diagram showing a variable presentation based on a specific variable presentation pattern of Example 2. An explanatory diagram showing a variable presentation based on a specific variable presentation pattern of Example 2. An explanatory diagram showing a variable presentation based on another specific variable presentation pattern.

Next, the embodiment of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and the game can be progressed by firing the game ball toward the game board (game area). The pachinko game machine exemplified below is a so-called "digital pachinko type" game machine that plays a pattern-changing game (also simply called "variable game") in which a special pattern is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped when a game ball enters the starting hole, and when a jackpot pattern is displayed in a static manner following the end of the variable display of the special pattern, a jackpot game (special game) in which a predetermined amount of game profit (e.g. prize balls) can be awarded to the player.

In the following description, the term "front" simply refers to the surface side (nearby side) when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, and refers to the side where the player is positioned when playing. The term "rear" simply refers to the back side when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. Furthermore, the terms "upper side," "lower side," "left side," and "right side" simply refer to the top, bottom, left, and right directions when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, and refer to the top, bottom, left, and right directions in Figures 1 and 3, for example.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 attached within the game machine frame 50, and the game board 2 is configured to be freely attached and detached from the game machine frame 50. Figure 3 shows the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50. The game machine frame 50 is configured to have a front frame 51 with a decorative surface, a main frame 52 to which the game board 2 etc. are attached, and an outer frame 53 for attaching the pachinko game machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall, and the front frame 51, main frame 52 and outer frame 53 are pivotally supported at one side end and each is configured to be able to be opened and closed.

The front frame 51 is also provided with a launch handle 60 for launching game balls with a launch strength according to the amount of operation (rotation angle) by the player, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 that can store game balls and supply them to the launching device, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 that stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The front frame 51 is also provided with a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (collectively referred to as "effect button 63") that can be operated by the player during the execution of game effects that are executed as the game progresses. The multiple effect buttons can be used differently depending on the type of game effect.

The front frame 51 is also provided with a decorative frame lamp 66 and a speaker 67. The configuration of the performance button 63 is not limited to the embodiment described here, and may be any type that can detect input from the player, or may be a means by which the player directly touches the button to make an input (e.g., a retractable type, touch sensor type, etc.), or may be a non-contact input means (e.g., a photoelectric type) that detects the proximity of a part of the player's body to make an input.

The game board 2 has a game area 3, in which game balls launched by operating the launch handle 60 flow down, surrounded by a rail member 4. A number of game nails 16 that guide the game balls are protruding from the game area 3. A ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the tip of the rail member 4, which can prevent game balls that have been guided into the game area from returning to the launching device. In addition, the game board 2 has a decorative board lamp 5.

An image display device 7 is provided near the center of the game board 2 (within the game area). The image display device 7 is made of a liquid crystal display, and is provided on the back side of the game board 2 so that its display screen 7a faces an opening provided in approximately the center of the game board 2 (game area 3). The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a performance pattern display area 7b (also referred to as the "performance pattern display section") in which performance patterns 8L, 8C, 8R (also simply referred to as the "performance pattern 8") are displayed.

The performance pattern 8 changes in synchronization with the changing display of the first special pattern and the second special pattern described below. The changing display can be displayed, for example, by scrolling up and down, left and right, diagonally, etc., and in this embodiment, the display is generally scrolled from top to bottom. The performance pattern display area 7b is made up of, for example, three pattern display areas, "left," "middle," and "right," with the left pattern display area displaying the left performance pattern 8L, the middle pattern display area displaying the middle performance pattern 8C, and the right pattern display area displaying the right performance pattern 8R.

In this embodiment, the performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are each made up of number symbols (symbol types) that represent the numbers "1" through "9," and the number symbols are displayed in sequence. Specifically, the changing display of the performance symbol 8 is performed by scrolling the number symbols in the order "1" → "2" ... "8" → "9" (ascending order), and when it reaches "9," it returns to "1," and the scrolling display is repeated until the change ends (stops).

The combination of left, center, and right displayed (stopped) in the effect pattern display area 7b (stop display mode) displays the results of the variable display of the first special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display 41a (also called the "first special pattern display section") described below, and the results of the variable display of the second special pattern displayed on the second special pattern display 41b (also called the "second special pattern display section"), that is, the results of the special pattern hit/miss judgment (also simply called the "hit/miss judgment"), so that the player can easily recognize them. In this embodiment, the order in which the three variable display effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are stopped and displayed (stop order) is, in principle, "left → right → center". That is, the first stop pattern in the stop order is the left effect pattern 8L, the second stop pattern in the stop order is the right effect pattern 8R, and the third (last) stop pattern in the stop order is the center effect pattern 8C. The first stop pattern in the stopping order is also called the "first stop pattern," the second stop pattern in the stopping order is also called the "second stop pattern," and the third stop pattern in the stopping order is also called the "third stop pattern" or "final stop pattern."

Here, the first special pattern, the second special pattern, and the performance pattern 8 are all or part of the "pattern" or "identification information". The normal pattern is also called the "normal pattern" or "normal identification information", the special pattern is also called the "special pattern", the first special pattern is also called the "special pattern 1" or "first special pattern", and the second special pattern is also called the "special pattern 2" or "second special pattern". Furthermore, the image display device 7 that displays the performance pattern 8, the first special pattern display 41a that displays the first special pattern, and the second special pattern display 41b that displays the second special pattern are all or part of the "identification information display means".

The display mode of the effect pattern 8 can be determined as follows. For example, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot, it is possible to display the effect pattern as a triplet of the same numbers (also called a "jackpot effect pattern") such as "222" or "777". Also, if the result is a miss, it is possible to display the effect pattern as a random number pattern (also called a "miss effect pattern") in which at least one of the three patterns is different, such as "637" or "373". This allows the player to easily grasp the progress of the game by looking at the stopped effect pattern. In other words, the player generally does not directly grasp the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment (whether it is a hit or a miss) by looking at the effect pattern displayed in the effect pattern display area 7b, but by looking at the special pattern displayed on the first special pattern display 41a or the second special pattern display 41b.

The left, center, and right pattern display areas do not need to be provided separately, and may be one pattern display area that displays three performance patterns. In this embodiment, the left, center, and right performance patterns 8 are displayed, but for example, a matrix pattern display area with 3 rows and 3 columns is provided on the display screen to display nine performance patterns, and the stopping state (stopping pattern) of the performance patterns is displayed by the arrangement (pattern combination) of each vertical row, horizontal row, and diagonal row when each pattern is displayed and stopped after changing, or the pattern display area (performance pattern display area) is divided into multiple areas (for example, four) and three performance patterns are displayed and stopped in each area. The number of performance patterns and the form of the pattern display area are not particularly important.

Here, among the results of the special symbol hit/miss judgment, a "jackpot" is also called a "specific result," and a "miss" is also called a "non-specific result." In addition, among the stop display modes of the identification information (special symbols and/or performance symbols), the stop display mode corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment being a "jackpot" is also called a "jackpot mode," "specific mode," or "specific display result," and the stop display mode corresponding to the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment being a "miss mode," "non-specific mode," or "non-specific display result." Furthermore, the variable display executed based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment being a jackpot is also called a "jackpot fluctuation," and the variable display executed based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment being called a "miss fluctuation."

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, in addition to the game presentation using the presentation pattern 8 as described above (also called "presentation pattern game presentation"), a jackpot game presentation (special game presentation) that is executed in conjunction with a jackpot game, and a demo presentation for waiting customers are displayed. In addition to presentation patterns such as numbers, presentation images other than presentation patterns, such as background images and character images, are also displayed in various presentations such as presentation pattern game presentations, jackpot game presentations, and demo presentations.

The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 also has a first effect hold display area 9c (first effect hold display section) that displays the first effect hold 9a according to the number of stored first special chart holds, which will be described later, and a second effect hold display area 9d (second effect hold display section) that displays the second effect hold 9b according to the number of stored second special chart holds, which will be described later. Depending on the display mode (display number) of the first effect hold or second effect hold, the number of stored first special chart holds displayed on the first special chart hold display 43a, which will be described later, and the number of stored second special chart holds displayed on the second special chart hold display 43b, which will be described later, can be clearly shown to the player.

Near the center of the game board 2 (game area 3) and in front of the image display device 7, a center ornament 10 is provided so as to surround the performance pattern display area 7b. At the bottom of the center ornament 10, a stage section 11 is provided, which has a game ball rolling surface on which the game ball can roll. A hollow warp section 12 is provided at the left side of the center ornament 10. The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and receives game balls flowing down the game area 3 from the warp entrance, discharges the game balls from the warp exit, and guides them to the stage section 11. Game balls guided to the rolling surface of the stage section 11 are more likely to enter the first starting hole 20 described below than game balls that are not guided to the stage section 11. Furthermore, at the top of the center ornament 10, a decorative member 13 is arranged, which has an electric member such as an LED (board lamp 5) that can be lit depending on the game status and is shaped like letters, figures, etc.

A movable decorative member 14 is provided at the top of the center decorative body 10, behind the decorative member 13, and is operable in response to game effects. In FIG. 3, only a portion of the movable decorative member 14 is visible, but for example, when a game effect that has a relatively high probability of a jackpot is played, the movable decorative member 14 falls downward and covers the front of the display screen 7a, making most of it visible. This increases the player's sense of anticipation for a jackpot.

Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3 (below the stage section 11), there is provided a fixed winning device 19 equipped with a non-variable first starting hole 20 in which the ease with which the game ball can enter (the probability of entering) does not change. Based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 20, a random number or the like for determining whether the special pattern has been hit is obtained, and when a predetermined condition is met, a hit/miss determination for the first special pattern (also called the "first special pattern hit/miss determination") is made, and the first special pattern is displayed in a variable manner and is displayed as a still image based on the result of the hit/miss determination.

To the right of the image display device 7 in the game area 3, a variable winning device 22 is provided, which is equipped with a variable second starting hole 21 (also called a "variable starting hole") that changes the ease with which the game ball can enter (the probability of entering). Based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 21, a random number or the like for determining whether the special symbol has been hit is obtained, and when a predetermined condition is met, a hit/miss determination of the second special symbol (second special symbol hit/miss determination) is executed, and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and is displayed as a still symbol based on the result of the hit/miss determination.

In other words, the display of the first special symbol (determination of whether the first special symbol is a winner or loser) is performed based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 20, and the display of the second special symbol (determination of whether the second special symbol is a winner or loser) is performed based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 21.

The variable winning device 22 includes an opening/closing member (wing member) 23, and opens and closes the second starting hole 21 by the operation of the opening/closing member 23. The opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 23 allows the second starting hole 21 to change between a first state (closed state) and a second state (open state) in which the probability of a game ball entering the hole is higher than that of the first state. The opening/closing member 23 is driven by a second starting hole solenoid 24 (see FIG. 5). In this embodiment, the second starting hole 21 allows game balls to enter the hole only when the opening/closing member 23 is in the open state, and does not allow game balls to enter the hole when the opening/closing member 23 is in the closed state. Note that the second starting hole 21 does not have to be completely unable to enter the hole when the opening/closing member 23 is in the closed state, as long as it is more difficult for game balls to enter the hole when the opening/closing member 23 is in the closed state than when the opening/closing member 23 is in the open state.

To the right of the first starting hole 20 in the game area 3, there are provided a first large prize device 31 equipped with a variable first large prize hole 30 (also called the "first variable prize hole") that changes the ease of entry of the game ball (entry possibility), and a second large prize device 36 equipped with a variable second large prize hole 35 (also called the "second variable prize hole") that changes the ease of entry of the game ball (entry possibility). In this embodiment, the second large prize hole 35 (second large prize device 36) is located directly above the first large prize hole 30 (first large prize device 31). Either or both of the first large prize hole 30 (first large prize device 31) and the second large prize hole 35 (second large prize device 36) are also referred to as "special prize holes".

The first large prize winning device 31 is equipped with an opening/closing member 32, and opens and closes the first large prize winning opening 30 by the operation of the opening/closing member 32. The opening/closing member 32 is driven by a first large prize winning opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 5). The first large prize winning opening 30 can receive game balls only when the opening/closing member 32 is in the open state. By the opening and closing operation of the opening/closing member 32, the first large prize winning opening 30 can be changed between a ball-entry-prohibited state (closed state) in which game balls cannot enter, and a ball-entry-possible state (open state) in which game balls can enter.

The second large prize winning device 36 is equipped with an opening/closing member 37, and the operation of the opening/closing member 37 opens and closes the second large prize winning opening 35. The opening/closing member 37 is driven by a second large prize winning opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 5). The second large prize winning opening 35 can receive game balls only when the opening/closing member 37 is in the open state. By the opening/closing operation of the opening/closing member 37, the second large prize winning opening 35 can be changed between a ball-entry-prohibited state (closed state) in which game balls cannot enter, and a ball-entry-possible state (open state) in which game balls can enter.

The second large prize device 36 is also configured to include a specific area 39 (also called the "V area") and a non-specific area 49 (also called the "non-V area") through which a gaming ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 can pass, and a movable piece 150 for guiding (distributing) a gaming ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 to the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 49.

As will be described in detail later, the movable piece 150 operates based on the number of game balls detected by the second large winning opening sensor 35a described later, and is driven by the movable piece solenoid 151 (see FIG. 5). When the movable piece solenoid 151 is OFF, that is, when the movable piece 150 is not operating (non-operating state), the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 35 is guided to the non-specific area 49 (area other than the specific area) and cannot pass through the specific area 39. On the other hand, when the movable piece solenoid 151 is ON, that is, when the movable piece 150 is operating (operating state), the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 35 is guided to the specific area 39 and can pass through the specific area 39 (also called "V passing"). The movable piece 150 is also called the "movable member" or "distribution member". In addition, the second large prize device 36 or the second large prize opening 35, which includes the movable piece 150, is also called a "V attacker."

The present pachinko game machine 1 is configured to generate a high probability state, described below, based on the detection that at least one of the game balls that entered the second large prize opening 35 has passed through the specific area 39. The high probability state is one of the game benefits that is given to the player in addition to the special game. The present pachinko game machine 1, which determines whether or not to generate a high probability state based on whether or not the game ball has passed through the specific area 39, is a so-called "V-certain machine," and the specific area 39 functions as a probability variation operation opening (probability variation area). Such a specific area 39 is not provided in the first large prize winning device 31 (first large prize winning opening 30). Note that the specific area 39 may be provided in the first large prize winning device 31 (first large prize winning opening 30).

Here, the configuration of the second large prize winning device 36 will be described in detail. FIG. 49 is a schematic diagram showing the second large prize winning device 36. As shown in the figure, the game balls that enter the second large prize winning port 35 pass through a predetermined game ball guide passage in the second large prize winning device and all pass through the second large prize winning port sensor 35a (also called the "ball entry detection means" or "ball entry detection sensor"). The second large prize winning port sensor 35a is a sensor for detecting the entry of game balls into the second large prize winning port 35, and it is possible to count the number of balls that enter the second large prize winning port 35 based on the detection by the second large prize winning port sensor 35a. When game balls are detected by the second large prize winning port sensor 35a, the number of detections (i.e., the number of balls that enter) is counted by round by a ball entry counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 described later. This counting result (count value) is cleared when the round ends.

In addition, the game ball detected by the second large prize opening sensor 35a then passes through a specified game ball guide passage and always passes through the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 49 (see Figures 49(a) and (b)). The specific area 39 is open to the game ball only when the movable piece 150 is in operation (operating state), in other words, only when the specific area 39 is open. A specific area sensor 39a is provided in the specific area 39, and a game ball passing through the specific area 39 is detected by the specific area sensor 39a (see Figure 49(b)). The specific area sensor 39a is a sensor for detecting the passage of a game ball into the specific area 39. A non-specific area sensor 49a is provided in the non-specific area 49, and a game ball passing through the non-specific area 49 is detected by the non-specific area sensor 49a (see Figure 49(a)). The non-specific area sensor 49a is a sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the non-specific area 49. The specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area detection sensor 49a are also sensors for detecting the discharge of game balls from the second large winning opening 35, and it is possible to count the number of balls discharged from the second large winning opening 35 based on the detection by the specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area detection sensor 49a. When a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a or the non-specific area detection sensor 49a, the number of detections (i.e., the number of balls discharged) is counted on a round-by-round basis by a discharge number counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 described later. This counting result (count value) is cleared when the round ends.

The number of game balls detected by the specific area sensor 39a is counted as the number of game balls passing through the specific area by a specific area passing counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 described later, and the number of game balls detected by the non-specific area sensor 49a is counted as the number of game balls passing through the non-specific area by a non-specific area passing counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 described later. These counts are also performed on a round-by-round basis, and the counting results (count values) are cleared when the round ends.

The specific area sensor 39a (also referred to as the "first discharge detection means" or "first discharge detection sensor") and the non-specific area detection sensor 49a (also referred to as the "second discharge detection means" or "second discharge detection sensor") that detect the discharge of a game ball that has entered the second large winning opening 35 are collectively referred to as the "discharge detection means" or "discharge detection sensor".

In this embodiment, the control program of the main control unit 80 counts the number of game balls entering the second large winning opening 35 and the number of balls discharged, and based on the counting result, it is possible to monitor the occurrence of abnormalities or fraud related to the entry of balls into the second large winning device 36 (second large winning opening 35) having the specific area 39 by judging whether the number of balls entering and the number of balls discharged match. Inside the second large winning device 36 (second large winning opening 35), a movable piece 150 for opening and closing the specific area 39 is operated, so there is a risk that the game ball will get stuck in the movable piece 150 and become stuck in the second large winning device 36 (second large winning opening 35). When such a ball jam occurs, the game ball that entered the second large winning opening 35 will not be discharged thereafter, so the number of balls entering and the number of balls discharged will not match. By monitoring the number of balls entering and the number of balls discharged in this way, it is possible to check whether the ball jam occurs. In addition, even if the specific area sensor 39a detects game balls due to fraudulent activities such as string-hanging tricks, the number of balls entered will not match the number of balls discharged, so it is possible to monitor for fraudulent activities based on this and prevent unexpected losses from occurring.

In this embodiment, the control program of the main control unit 80 can determine whether an error has occurred regarding the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39. Specifically, the specific area effective period during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is treated as valid is set when the movable piece 150 starts moving, and if the game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a (detection by the specific area sensor 39a) during a period other than the specific area effective period (period other than the specific area effective period), an error is determined to have occurred, and the detection is treated as invalid. Also, if an abnormality occurs in the signal (specific area passing signal) of the specific area sensor 39a due to a poor connection or the like of the specific area sensor 39a, it can be determined to have occurred as an error. By determining an error based on the specific area effective period or a poor connection or the like of the specific area sensor 39a, it is possible to monitor the presence or absence of fraudulent acts, equipment failure, damage, etc., and thereby prevent the occurrence of unexpected damage.

In the game area 3, in the area to the right of the center ornament 10, there is a gate 28 (game ball passage opening) through which game balls can pass. Random numbers for determining whether or not a normal pattern has been drawn are obtained based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28, and when a predetermined condition is met, a normal pattern win/loss determination is executed to determine whether or not the second start opening 21 should be opened, and the normal pattern is displayed in a variable manner and is displayed as a stop based on the result of the normal pattern win/loss determination. When the winning normal pattern is displayed as a stop, the second start opening 21 opens.

Furthermore, a number of general winning openings 27 are provided at the bottom of the game area 3. In this embodiment, four general winning openings 27 are provided, three of which are left general winning openings provided to the left of the first starting opening 20, and one is a right general winning opening provided to the right of the first large winning opening 30. The first starting opening 20, the second starting opening 21, the first large winning opening 30, the second large winning opening 35, and the general winning opening 27 are each ball entry openings that trigger the payout of prize balls, and when a game ball enters each ball entry opening, a predetermined number of game balls (also called "prize balls") are paid out at each ball entry opening. Specifically, the number of prize balls at the first starting hole 20 is "4", the number of prize balls at the second starting hole 21 is "1", the number of prize balls at the general winning hole 27 is "10", and the number of prize balls at the first large winning hole 20 and the second large winning hole 35 is "15".

The game area 3, which is thus arranged with multiple ball entry ports (first start port 20, second start port 21, first large prize entry port 30, second large prize entry port 35, general prize entry port 27, and gate 28), can be divided into a left game area 3A (first area) on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 3B (second area) on the right side. Firing a game ball so that it flows down through the left game area 3A is called a "left hit," and firing a game ball so that it flows down through the right game area 3B is called a "right hit."

Of the multiple ball entry ports, the first start port 20 and the three left general winning ports 27 are provided so that game balls flowing down the left game area 3A of the game area 3 can enter, and the second start port 21, the first large winning port 30, the second large winning port 35, the right general winning port 27, and the gate 28 are provided so that game balls flowing down the right game area 3B of the game area 3 can enter. In this pachinko game machine 1, when starting a game, in principle, a left shot is used to aim for a ball to enter the first start port 20. On the other hand, when a hit or miss judgment based on a ball entering the first start port 20 results in a hit and the game state changes, in principle, a right shot is used to aim for a ball to enter the gate 28, the second start port 21, the first large winning port 30, and the second large winning port 35. The right game area 3B is an example of a "predetermined area".

3 and 4, a main display 40 is disposed outside the play area 3 (outside the play area) and at the lower right of the play board 2. The main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display section) for displaying the first special symbol as a variable and stationary symbol, a second special symbol display 41b (second special symbol display section) for displaying the second special symbol as a variable and stationary symbol, a regular symbol display 42 (regular symbol display section) for displaying the regular symbol as a variable and stationary symbol, a first special symbol reserved display 43a for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information related to the first special symbol (first special symbol reserved) stored, a second special symbol reserved display 43b for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information related to the second special symbol (second special symbol reserved) stored, and a regular symbol display 44 for displaying the number of hit/miss judgment information related to the second special symbol (second special symbol reserved). The main display 40 includes a normal symbol reserved indicator 44 that displays the number of reserved operations (normal symbol reserved) stored in the indicator 42, a round indicator 45 that indicates the number of rounds of the jackpot game to be executed when the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (specific result), a game status indicator 46 that indicates that the probability fluctuation function is activated, a launch direction indicator 47 that indicates the launch direction of the game ball (whether it should be hit to the left or the right), and a win indicator 48 that indicates that the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot. The various indicators included in the main display 40 are displayed and controlled by a main control unit described later. In the following explanation, the first special pattern and the second special pattern are sometimes collectively referred to as the special pattern, the first special pattern display device 41a and the second special pattern display device 41b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special pattern display unit, and the first special pattern reserve display device 43a and the second special pattern reserve display device 43b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special pattern reserve display unit.

In the special symbol display section, the special symbol (identification information) is displayed in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, and then displayed as a stopped special symbol (stopped symbol), and the result of the lottery (special symbol hit/miss judgment, jackpot lottery) based on the ball entering the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 is announced by the stopped special symbol (stopped symbol). The stopped special symbol is one special symbol selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by the special symbol hit/miss judgment. If the stopped symbol is a predetermined specific special symbol (specific identification information), that is, if it is a winning symbol such as a jackpot symbol or a small jackpot symbol, a special game (jackpot game) is played in which the first large prize hole 30 or the second large prize hole 35 is opened in an opening pattern according to the type of the stopped specific special symbol. The opening patterns of the large prize holes (first large prize hole 30, second large prize hole 35) in the special game will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first special symbol display 41a is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "i-p" and displays special symbols according to the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment. In this embodiment, seven types of jackpots, "7R 1st to 7th jackpots," are provided as the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment (see FIG. 8), and the LEDs of the first special symbol display 41a are capable of adopting display modes (also called "specific modes" or "specific display results") according to each of the seven types of jackpots.

Specifically, if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is "7R first jackpot", the three "ijn" LEDs will be lit and the rest will be turned off (7R first jackpot symbol), if it is "7R second jackpot", the three "imn" LEDs will be lit and the rest will be turned off (7R second jackpot symbol), if it is "7R third jackpot", the three "jln" LEDs will be lit and the rest will be turned off (7R third jackpot symbol), and if it is "7R fourth jackpot", "jkn" In the case of "7R 5th jackpot", the three LEDs of "kln" are turned on and the rest are turned off (7R 5th jackpot), in the case of "7R 6th jackpot", the three LEDs of "klp" are turned on and the rest are turned off (7R 6th jackpot), in the case of "7R 7th jackpot", the three LEDs of "kln" are turned on and the rest are turned off (7R 7th jackpot). In addition, if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment is "miss", one LED of "n" is turned on and the rest are turned off (miss symbol, non-specific mode).

On the other hand, the second special symbol display 41b is composed of eight LEDs indicated by "a-h", and displays special symbols according to the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment. In this embodiment, two types of jackpots, "15R 8th jackpot" and "15R 9th jackpot", are provided as the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment (see FIG. 8), and the LEDs of the second special symbol display 41b are capable of adopting display modes (also called "specific modes" or "specific display results") according to each of the two types of jackpots.

Specifically, if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is "15R 8th jackpot", the four "acde" LEDs will be lit and the rest will be turned off (15R 8th jackpot symbol), and if the result is "15R 9th jackpot", the four "bfgh" LEDs will be lit and the rest will be turned off (15R 9th jackpot symbol). Also, if the result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is "miss", one "g" LED will be lit and the rest will be turned off (miss symbol, non-specific mode).

The display mode of the special symbols (stopping symbols) and the type of jackpot (type of number of rounds, number of jackpots, etc.) are not limited to those in this embodiment and can be set arbitrarily.

Before the special symbol is displayed in a static state, the special symbol is displayed in a predetermined time period. The special symbol can be displayed in a static state in which the LEDs are lit so that light flows repeatedly in a predetermined order, such as a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The first special symbol displayed in a static state on the first special symbol display 41a is maintained in this static display state until the next first special symbol is displayed in a static state. Similarly, the second special symbol displayed in a static state on the second special symbol display 41b is maintained in this static display state until the next second special symbol is displayed in a static state.

The special symbol is displayed (the display mode is maintained) until a predetermined display time (also called the "display period") has elapsed. In this embodiment, the display time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (also called the "miss display time") is different from the display time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (also called the "jackpot display time"), which is different from the display time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment being a jackpot. In this embodiment, the jackpot display time differs depending on the game state when the special symbol is displayed as a jackpot (specific mode). Specifically, the miss display time is set to "0.6 seconds (600 ms)," and the jackpot display time is set to "1.0 seconds (1000 ms)" or "5.0 seconds (5000 ms)" depending on the game state. Regarding the jackpot stop display time, if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (specific mode) in the low base state described below, the stop display time is set to 5.0 seconds, and if the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (specific mode) in the high base state described below, the stop display time is set to 1.0 seconds. In this embodiment, such a stop display time (stop display period) is used to perform various effects, notifications, etc. when the special symbol (identification information) is stopped and displayed. This point will be described in detail later.

If the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a losing symbol (non-specific mode) and a reserved special symbol is stored at the time of the stopped display, the oldest (earliest) reserved special symbol in the stored order is consumed after the stopped display period (missing stopped display time) has elapsed, and the variable display of the next special symbol begins. Also, if the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a losing symbol and a reserved special symbol is not stored at the time of the stopped display, the stopped display state of the special symbol is maintained even after the stopped display period (missing stopped display time) has elapsed. On the other hand, if the special symbol displayed in a stopped state is a jackpot symbol (specific mode), after the stopped display period (jackpot stopped display time) has elapsed, the game moves to the opening period of the jackpot game described below, and after the opening period, the first round of the jackpot game begins.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball enters the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21, various information (also called "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether or not a special symbol has been hit is acquired based on the ball entry, and the acquired various information is temporarily stored in a special symbol reservation memory unit (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control unit. In detail, if the ball enters the first starting hole 20, it is stored in the first special symbol reservation memory unit (not shown) as a first special symbol reservation, and if the ball enters the second starting hole 21, it is stored in the second special symbol reservation memory unit (not shown) as a second special symbol reservation. An upper limit is set for the number of special symbol reservations that can be stored in each special symbol reservation memory unit, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is "4". These first special symbol reservation memory unit and second special symbol reservation memory unit are also called "first acquired information storage means" and "second acquired information storage means", respectively, and are also collectively called "acquired information storage means".

The reserved special symbols stored in the reserved special symbols memory unit are consumed when it becomes possible to display the special symbols based on the reserved special symbols. Consumption of reserved special symbols means judging the random numbers or the like for judging whether the special symbols correspond to the reserved special symbols, and executing the display of the special symbols to show the result of the judgment. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of the special symbols based on the ball entering the first start hole 20 or the second start hole 21 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the ball entering, that is, even if the display of the special symbols is being executed or a special game is being executed, the right to judge whether the special symbol is the right for the ball entering can be reserved up to a specified number.

The number of reserved special drawings stored in the reserved special drawing memory unit is displayed on the first reserved special drawing display 43a and the second reserved special drawing display 43b. Specifically, the first reserved special drawing display 43a is composed of two LEDs, "uv", and displays the number of reserved first special drawings by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of reserved first special drawings. For example, when the number of pending items is "0", the display mode may be "u□v□" (for example, □ is off, ● is red, ▲ is green) with both LEDs turned off; when the number of pending items is "1", the display mode may be "u□v●" with the "u" LED turned off and the "v" LED turned red; when the number of pending items is "2", the display mode may be "u●v□" with the "u" LED turned red and the "v" LED turned off; when the number of pending items is "3", the display mode may be "u●v●" with both LEDs lit red; and when the number of pending items is "4 (maximum number)", the display mode may be "u▲v▲" with both LEDs lit green.

The second special chart reserved indicator 43b is composed of two LEDs, "wx", and displays the number of second special charts reserved by controlling the display of the LEDs according to the number of second special charts reserved. For example, when the reserved number is "0", the display mode is "w□x□" (for example, □: off, ●: red lit, ▲: green lit), with both LEDs turned off, and the reserved numbers "1" to "4" are determined in the same way as the first special chart reserved indicator 43a.

The normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner when the game ball passes through the gate 28. The normal symbol display 42 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner for a predetermined period of time, and then displays it in a stopped state. The stopped normal symbol (stopped symbol) notifies the user of the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the game ball passing through the gate 28. The stopped normal symbol is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by the normal symbol hit/miss judgment. If the stopped normal symbol is a predetermined specific normal symbol (a winning normal symbol), an auxiliary game is played in which the second start hole 21 is opened in an opening pattern according to the current game state. The opening pattern of the second start hole 21 will be described later.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the normal symbol display 42 is composed of two LEDs, "st", and displays the normal symbol according to the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment by the lighting state of the LEDs. For example, if the judgment result is a hit, the winning normal symbol with both LEDs lit is displayed as "s■t■" (for example, ■: lit, □: off). If the judgment result is a miss, the losing normal symbol with only the "t" LED lit is displayed as "s□t■". Note that the losing normal symbol is not a specific normal symbol. Before the normal symbol is displayed, the normal symbol is displayed for a predetermined period of time, and the display state is, for example, a state in which both LEDs alternately light up and go out. The normal symbol displayed on the normal symbol display 42 is maintained in the stopped display state until the next normal symbol is displayed.

In this pachinko game machine 1, when a game ball passes through gate 28, various information (also referred to as "acquired information") such as a random number for determining whether a normal pattern is a hit or miss is acquired based on that passage, and this acquired information is temporarily stored as a normal pattern reserve in a normal pattern reserve memory section (not shown) formed in the RAM of the main control section. An upper limit is set for the number of normal pattern reserves that can be stored in the normal pattern reserve memory section, and in this embodiment, the upper limit is "4". The normal pattern reserves stored in the normal pattern reserve memory section are consumed when it becomes possible to display a variable normal pattern based on that normal pattern reserve. Consumption of a normal pattern reserve refers to determining the random number for determining whether a normal pattern is a hit or miss that corresponds to that normal pattern reserve, and executing a variable normal pattern display to show the result of that determination. Therefore, in this pachinko game machine 1, even if the display of normal symbols based on the passage of the game ball through the gate 28 cannot be executed immediately at the time of the passage, i.e., even if the display of normal symbols is being executed or an auxiliary game is being executed, the right to determine whether the normal symbols are correct for the passage can be reserved up to a specified number.

The number of reserved regular maps stored in the reserved regular map memory unit is displayed on the reserved regular map display 44. Specifically, the reserved regular map display 44 is composed of two LEDs, "qr", and displays the number of reserved regular maps by lighting up the LEDs according to the number of reserved regular maps. For example, when the reserved number is "0", the display mode is "q□r□" (for example, □: off, ●: red lit, ▲: green lit), with both LEDs off, and when the reserved number is "1", the display mode is "q□r●", with the "q" LED off and the "r" LED lit in red. The reserved numbers "2" to "4" are also determined in the same way as the first special reserved map display 43a.

As shown in FIG. 4, the round display 45 is composed of two LEDs, a 7R lamp and a 15R lamp. With this round display 45, for example, when any of the 7R 1st to 7th jackpots occurs, the 7R lamp is lit when the corresponding jackpot pattern is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is something like "7R▲15R△" (for example, △: off, ▲: on). Also, when the 15R 8th jackpot or the 15R 9th jackpot occurs, the 15R lamp is lit when the corresponding jackpot pattern is confirmed and displayed. Specifically, the display mode is something like "7R△15R▲" (for example, △: off, ▲: on).

As shown in FIG. 4, the winning indicator 48 is composed of three LEDs indicated by "b1 to b3", and when the aforementioned winning pattern (specific mode, specific display result) is displayed in the special pattern display section, the LEDs are lit in a predetermined manner accordingly to display (notify) that the result of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment or the second special pattern hit/miss judgment is a winning pattern. Specifically, for example, when the result of the first special pattern hit/miss judgment is a winning pattern (specific result), and the first special pattern is displayed based on this by the first special pattern display 41a, and then any of the aforementioned 7R first to seventh winning patterns is displayed (stopped display) on the first special pattern display 41a, the "b1" and "b2" LEDs are lit and the "b3" LED is turned off, as in "b1■b2■b3□" (for example, ■: lit, □: turned off). Furthermore, if the result of the second special pattern hit/miss judgment is a hit (specific result), and the second special pattern is displayed based on this on the second special pattern display 41b, and then the aforementioned 15R 8th jackpot pattern or 15R 9th jackpot pattern is displayed (stopped) on the second special pattern display 41b, the "b1" and "b3" LEDs are lit and the "b2" LED is turned off, as in "b1■b2□b3■" (for example, ■ is lit, □ is turned off).

In this way, the hit display 48 is capable of notifying whether the special pattern judgment that triggered the jackpot when a jackpot occurs (when the jackpot pattern is displayed) was a first special pattern judgment or a second special pattern judgment, depending on the lighting state of the three LEDs "b1 to b3." Such a notification by the hit display 48 of the type of special pattern judgment that triggered the jackpot is also called a "judgment notification," and the hit display 48 is also called a "judgment notification means."

The hit display 48 makes a determination and notifies a predetermined period of time from the occurrence of a jackpot (display of the jackpot pattern), and in this embodiment, this is performed from the occurrence of a jackpot (display of the jackpot pattern) until the next jackpot occurs (until the next jackpot pattern is displayed). For example, if a jackpot pattern is displayed (stopped) on the first special pattern display 41a while playing with the left hand (while the first special pattern is being displayed in a changing state), and then, after a jackpot game, a jackpot pattern is displayed (stopped) on the second special pattern display 41b while playing with the right hand (while the second special pattern is being displayed in a changing state), the display mode (lighting mode) of the jackpot display 48 will become "b1■b2■b3□" in response to the display of the jackpot pattern on the first special pattern display 41a, and the display mode "b1■b2■b3□" of the jackpot display 48 will be maintained until the jackpot pattern is displayed on the second special pattern display 41b. Then, when the jackpot pattern is displayed on the second special pattern display 41b, of the two LEDs "b1" and "b2" of the hit display 48 that had been lit up until that point, "b2" is turned off, and the display mode (lighting mode) of the hit display 48 becomes "b1■b2□b3■." Also, for example, when a jackpot pattern is displayed on the first special pattern display 41a, and then a jackpot pattern is displayed again on the first special pattern display 41a after a jackpot game, the display mode (lighting mode) of the hit display 48 becomes "b1■b2■b3□" in response to the display of the previous jackpot pattern on the first special pattern display 41a, and then, even after the jackpot pattern related to the next jackpot is displayed on the first special pattern display 41a, the display mode "b1■b2■b3□" of the hit display 48 is maintained. For this reason, in this embodiment, between the "first (previous) jackpot" and the "later (next) jackpot" (the jackpot interval), it is possible to show (report) the type of special symbol hit that triggered the first (previous) jackpot.

The execution period of the judgment notification by the winning indicator 48 (judgment notification period) does not have to extend between jackpots as in this embodiment. For example, it can be from the occurrence of a jackpot (display of a jackpot pattern) to the end of the jackpot game related to the jackpot, from the occurrence of a jackpot (display of a jackpot pattern) to the passage of a predetermined time after the jackpot game related to the jackpot, or from the occurrence of a jackpot (display of a jackpot pattern) to the time when the variable display of the special pattern after the jackpot game related to the jackpot is performed a predetermined number of times. In addition, when the game state after the jackpot game ends is a game state (also called a "specific game state") that is more advantageous to the player than a normal game state such as a high probability state or a time-saving state described later, the judgment notification period can be from the occurrence of a jackpot (display of a jackpot pattern) to the end of the specific game state. Furthermore, if an abnormal passage through a specific area occurs during a jackpot game, as described below, a predetermined period from the occurrence of the abnormal passage through the specific area can be set as the judgment notification period. In this case, the LED of the winning indicator 48 is lit in a display mode (lighting mode) that indicates the type of special symbol hit/miss judgment (first special symbol hit/miss judgment or second special symbol hit/miss judgment) that triggered the jackpot game being played when the abnormal passage through the specific area occurred.

In this embodiment, the display mode (initial display mode) of the winning indicator 48 when the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on is, in principle, a mode in which all three LEDs "b1 to b3" are turned off (all off). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display by the winning indicator 48 (i.e., the "judgment notification") is the subject of backup. For this reason, for example, if the power supply is cut off while the display mode of the winning indicator 48 is "b1■b2■b3□", the lighting pattern data of the LEDs related to that display mode is stored (backed up) in the RAM, and the next time the power supply is turned on, the display mode of the winning indicator 48 is made the same as before the power cut occurred, based on the backed up lighting pattern data. However, if the RAM is cleared when the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the backed up lighting pattern data is erased, and the display mode of the winning indicator 48 is made the above-mentioned initial display mode (all off). Note that the configuration may be such that the judgment notification by the winning indicator 48 is not the subject of backup.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 5. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a main control board 80 (also called the "main control unit" and "game control unit") that controls game progress and game profits, such as determining whether a special symbol is a hit or not, determining whether a normal symbol is a hit or not, and transitioning game states, a sub-control board 90 (also called the "sub-control unit", "sub-control unit", or "performance control unit") that controls the performance executed as the game progresses, a payout control board 110 (also called the "payout control unit") that controls the payout of game balls, an image control board 100 (also called the "image control unit") that controls the display of the image display device 7, the performance display unit 102, the performance first special symbol reserve display unit 103a, and the performance second special symbol reserve display unit 103b, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, a main control board storage case that stores the main control board 80 is provided in the approximate center of the rear side (back side) of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and above this main control board case is a storage case for the image control board, etc., that stores the sound control board 106, the lamp control board 107, and the image control board 100, and above the storage case for the image control board, etc., is a sub-control board storage case that stores the sub-control board 90. Also, below and to the left of the main control board case is a payout control board case that stores the payout control board 110, and to the right of that is a power supply board case that stores the power supply board 109.

The power supply board 109 functions as a power supply means that receives power from an external source and supplies power to the pachinko gaming machine 1. Specifically, it supplies power to various electrical components required for the operation of the pachinko gaming machine 1, such as the various boards, devices, and equipment shown in the block diagram of FIG. 5, sensors, switches, motors, solenoids, etc. A power switch (not shown) is provided on the power supply board 109 and is exposed to the outside of the power supply board case; power supply is started by turning the power switch ON, and stopped by turning the power switch OFF.

The main control board 80 is equipped with a one-chip microcomputer for game control (also called a "game control microcomputer") 81 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine 1 according to a program. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM that stores programs for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes the programs stored in the ROM. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits and receives data (information) to and from other boards, etc. via an input/output circuit 87 (I/O port section). The input/output circuit 87 may be built into the game control microcomputer 81. The ROM may also be external. The RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 is provided with the above-mentioned special pattern reservation memory section (first special pattern reservation memory section and second special pattern reservation memory section) and regular pattern reservation memory section.

Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from each sensor to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to each solenoid. Specifically, the following sensors are connected: first start hole sensor 20a, second start hole sensor 21a, gate sensor 28a, first large prize hole sensor 30a, second large prize hole sensor 35a, specific area sensor 39a, non-specific area sensor 49a, and general prize hole sensor 27a. These various sensors are also referred to as "game ball detection means."

The first start port sensor 20a is provided in the first start port 20 and detects game balls that have entered the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21a is provided in the second start port 21 and detects game balls that have entered the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28a is provided in the gate 28 and detects game balls that have passed through the gate 28. The first large prize port sensor 30a is provided in the first large prize port 30 and detects game balls that have entered the first large prize port 30. The second large prize port sensor 35a is provided in the second large prize port 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize port 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in a specific area 39 in the second large prize port 35 and detects game balls that have entered the second large prize port 35 and have passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 49a is provided in the non-specific area 49 in the second large prize opening 35, and detects game balls that enter the second large prize opening 35 and pass through the non-specific area 49. The general prize opening sensor 27a is provided in each general prize opening 27 and detects game balls that enter the general prize opening 27. The RAM of the game control microcomputer 81 (main control unit 80) is provided with an area for counting and storing the number of game balls detected by each of these sensors (game ball detection means), and the number of detections by each sensor can be counted by the control (program) of the game control microcomputer 81 (counting means).

The solenoids connected include the second start port solenoid 24, the first large prize port solenoid 33, the second large prize port solenoid 38, and the movable piece solenoid 151. These various solenoids are also called "electrical drive source" or "drive means." The second start port solenoid 24 is for driving the opening/closing member 23 of the variable prize device 22, and the first large prize port solenoid 33 is for driving the opening/closing member 32 of the first large prize device 31. The second large prize port solenoid 38 is for driving the opening/closing member 37 of the second large prize device 36, and the movable piece solenoid 151 is for driving the movable piece 150 of the second large prize device 36. Furthermore, the main control board 80 is connected to a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special symbol reserved display 43a, a second special symbol reserved display 43b, a normal symbol reserved display 44, a round display 45, a game status display 46, a launch direction display 47, and a win display 48. The display control of the main display 40, including each of these displays, is performed by a game control microcomputer 81.

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 110 is connected to a payout device 120 that pays out prize balls and loan balls, and a card unit 135 (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 and enabling ball lending based on information stored in an inserted prepaid card (game value storage medium) or the like), as well as to a launching device 112 via a launch control board 111 (also called the "launch control unit"). The launching device 112 includes a launch handle 60 (see FIG. 1).

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

The main control board 80 also transmits various commands to the sub-control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be transmitted from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

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

The sub-control board 90 is connected to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. The sub-control board 90 (sub-controller), the image control board 100 (image controller), the sound control board 106 (sound controller), and the lamp control board 107 (lamp controller) function as a presentation control means (also called a "presentation execution means") that controls the corresponding presentation devices, components, etc. (presentation means) to execute various presentations such as display presentations, sound presentations, and lamp presentations (light presentations) according to the game situation.

The performance control microcomputer 91 of the sub-control board 90 causes the CPU of the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 (also called the "image control microcomputer") of the image control board 100 to control the display of the image display device 7, the performance display device 102, the performance first special pattern reserved display device 103a, and the performance second reserved display device 103b based on a command received from the main control board 80. The RAM of the image control board 100 is a memory for expanding image data. The ROM of the image control board 100 stores image data such as still image data and video data to be displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, characters, items, figures, letters, numbers, and symbols (including performance patterns, reserved patterns, etc.) and background images. The image control microcomputer 101 reads image data from the ROM based on a command from the performance control microcomputer 91. Then, it executes display control based on the read image data.

The performance display 102 is made up of two LEDs, and performs a change display and a stop display in accordance with the change display and stop display of the performance pattern 8, and displays the stop display in a display mode that indicates the display result of the performance pattern 8 (the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment) by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. The performance first special pattern hold display 103a and the performance second hold display 103b are also made up of two LEDs. The performance first special pattern hold display 103a is displayed and controlled in a display mode that indicates the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the first performance hold display area 9c and the first special pattern hold display 43a by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. Similarly, the performance second special pattern hold display 103b is displayed and controlled in a display mode that indicates the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the second performance hold display area 9d and the second special pattern hold display 43b by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. This is because the effect display is displayed on almost the entire display screen 7a (effect pattern display section) or the movable decorative member 14 is operated to cover almost the entire effect pattern display area 7b (effect pattern display section) of the display screen 7a, and the effect pattern 8, first effect hold 9a, second effect hold 9b, and other images displayed on the display screen 7a may become partially or completely invisible, and therefore such hold displays 103a, 103b are provided. Note that a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided instead of or in addition to the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 of the image control board 100.

The performance control microcomputer 91 also outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 67 via the voice control board 106 based on commands received from the main control board 80. Sound data such as voice output from the speaker 67 is stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. A CPU may be implemented in the voice control board 106, in which case the CPU may be made to execute voice control. In this case, a ROM may be implemented in the voice control board 106, and sound data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 67 may also be connected to the image control board 100, and the CPU of the image control board 100 may be made to execute voice control. In this case, sound data may also be stored in the ROM of the image control board 100.

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

Furthermore, the performance control microcomputer 91 operates the movable decorative member 14 connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The movable decorative member 14 is a so-called movable gimmick provided on the center decorative body 10. The performance control microcomputer 91 determines operation pattern data (also called "drive data") for operating the movable decorative member 14 in a predetermined operating mode from the data stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, and controls the operation of the movable decorative member 14 based on the determined operation pattern data. Note that a CPU may be implemented in the lamp control board 107, in which case the CPU may be made to execute lamp lighting control and operation control of the movable decorative member 14. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be implemented in the lamp control board 107, and data regarding the light emission pattern and operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

The sub-control board 90 is also connected to a first effect button detection switch 63c and a second effect button detection switch 63d, which detect when the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b (see FIG. 1) is operated (pushed, rotated, pulled, etc.). Therefore, when the player performs a specified input operation on the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b, a signal is output from the corresponding effect button detection switch to the sub-control board 90. The first effect button detection switch 63c and the second effect button detection switch 63d are collectively referred to simply as the "effect button detection switch."

Next, the control related to the hit/miss judgment in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, there are two results of the special symbol hit/miss judgment: "jackpot" (specific result) and "miss" (non-specific result). When there is a "jackpot", a "jackpot symbol" is displayed frozen in the special symbol display section, and when there is a "miss", a "miss symbol" is displayed frozen in the special symbol display section. When it is determined that there is a jackpot, a "special game" is executed in which the first large prize winning hole 30 or the second large prize winning hole 35 is opened according to an opening pattern corresponding to the type of special symbol that is frozen and displayed. The special game is a game in which a game ball is inserted into the first large prize winning hole 30 or the second large prize winning hole 35 (special ball entry hole) that opens in a predetermined opening pattern. The special game executed when there is a jackpot is also called a "jackpot game".

There are multiple types of jackpots. As shown in FIG. 6, there are nine types of jackpots: "7R (round) 1st jackpot", "7R 2nd jackpot", "7R 3rd jackpot", "7R 4th jackpot", "7R 5th jackpot", "7R 6th jackpot", "7R 7th jackpot", "15R 8th jackpot", and "15R 9th jackpot". The 7R 1st to 7th jackpots are jackpots in which the large prize opening (the first large prize opening 30 or the second large prize opening 35) is opened 7 times (number of rounds), and the 15R 8th and 9th jackpots are jackpots in which the large prize opening (the first large prize opening 30 or the second large prize opening 35) is opened 15 times (number of rounds).

Here, the 1st to 7th jackpots in 7R are collectively referred to as "7R jackpots", and the 8th and 9th jackpots in 15R are collectively referred to as "15R jackpots". In addition, jackpot games related to 7R jackpots are also referred to as "7R jackpot games", and jackpot games related to 15R jackpots are also referred to as "15R jackpot games".

In this embodiment, there are two types of jackpots based on the number of rounds: a 7R jackpot and a 15R jackpot. However, it is possible to provide various types of jackpots, such as two types: a 5R jackpot and a 10R jackpot, or one type: a 7R jackpot. In this embodiment, the maximum number of rounds in a jackpot game is 15R (15R jackpot), but the maximum number of rounds is not limited to this and can be less than 15R (e.g., 10R).

In each round of the jackpot game related to the jackpot in this embodiment, one of the first large prize opening 30 and the second large prize opening 35 is in an open state (a state in which a ball can be entered, a state in which game balls can be received), and the other is in a closed state (a state in which a ball cannot be entered, a state in which game balls cannot be received). In other words, the two large prize openings 30, 35 (special ball openings) are never open at the same time, and only one of the large prize openings (special ball openings) is open. Specifically, in the first round, the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is closed and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is open; in the second round, the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is opened and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is closed; in the third round, as in the first round, the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is closed and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is opened; and in the fourth round, as in the second round, the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is opened and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is closed. Thereafter, as the rounds progress to the fifth round, sixth round, and so on, the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is closed and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is opened, and the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is opened and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is closed alternately. In other words, in the big win game of this embodiment, the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) is opened in the odd round, and the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) is opened in the even round, and the first large prize opening 30 (lower large prize opening) and the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) are opened alternately, with the second large prize opening 35 (upper large prize opening) opening first.

Here, the large prize opening pattern during the jackpot game will be described. In this embodiment, the opening patterns of the first large prize opening 30 and the second large prize opening 35 are the same. That is, in an odd-numbered round during the jackpot game, the second large prize opening 35 is opened until 25,000 ms (25 seconds) have elapsed since the start of the round, and is closed after 25,000 ms (25 seconds) have elapsed, ending the round. In other words, the second large prize opening 35 is opened with an opening pattern of 25,000 ms opening time and 1 opening. The second large prize opening 35 opened with this opening pattern can easily receive a game ball by hitting it to the right. On the other hand, in an even-numbered round during the jackpot game, the first large prize opening 30 is opened until 25,000 ms (25 seconds) have elapsed since the start of the round, and is then closed after 25,000 ms (25 seconds) have elapsed, ending the round. In other words, the first large prize opening 30 is opened with an opening pattern of 25,000 ms and 1 opening. The first large prize opening 30 that opens with this opening pattern can be easily inserted by hitting it from the right.

In addition, in the fifth round during a jackpot game, in addition to opening the second large prize opening 35, the movable piece 150 is operated based on the number of game balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35 reaching a predetermined number. Specifically, when a game ball enters the second large prize opening 35, the entered game ball is detected by the second large prize opening sensor 35a, and the number of game balls detected (i.e., the number of balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35) is counted by a ball counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80. When the count value by this ball counting means reaches a predetermined value, this triggers the operation of the movable piece 150. In other words, the operation timing of the movable piece 150 is determined by the predetermined value (the number of balls that have entered the second large prize opening 35).

The predetermined value (counting value) that triggers the operation of the movable piece 150 is set within the range of the number of game balls (prescribed number) that are permitted to enter the second large prize opening 35 during one round, and in this embodiment, two predetermined values are provided, broadly classified as a "first predetermined value (first counting value)" and a "second predetermined value (second counting value)" that is a value larger than the first predetermined value.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 47, the correspondence between the "jackpot type" and the "first and second predetermined values" is pre-stored in the ROM of the main control unit 80 (value storage means). In this embodiment, the first predetermined value (first count value) is set to "1", and the second predetermined value (second count value) is set to "2". The first predetermined value is set for all jackpot types. On the other hand, the second predetermined value is set for a specific jackpot type (in this example, the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th jackpots in 7R and the 8th jackpot in 15R), and is not set for other jackpot types (in this example, the 2nd, 4th, and 6th jackpots in 7R and the 9th jackpot in 15R). Therefore, in this embodiment, the movable piece 150 operates at least once in the 5th round of the jackpot game, and can operate a maximum of twice.

The setting manner of the first and second predetermined values shown in FIG. 47 is merely an example, and various other manners are possible. In this embodiment, the second predetermined value is set to "2", but the second predetermined value can also be a value equal to or greater than "3" (for example, any value from "3" to "9"). Furthermore, the second predetermined value may be set to a different value depending on the type of jackpot, such as "2" for the 7R first jackpot and "3" for the 7R third jackpot.

In this embodiment, two types of operation modes (operation patterns) are provided in advance for the movable piece 150 when it operates, which have relatively different possibilities for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39. That is, two modes are provided: a mode in which the game ball has a low possibility of passing through the specific area 39 (first operation mode), and a mode in which the game ball has a high possibility of passing through the specific area 39 (second operation mode), and the movable piece 150 operates in one of these modes. The mode in which the movable piece 150 operates is determined by the aforementioned predetermined value that triggers the operation of the movable piece 150, i.e., the count value by the ball number counting means (the number of game balls detected by the second large winning opening sensor 35a, i.e., the number of balls that enter the second large winning opening 35).

Specifically, when the count value (the number of balls entering the second large winning opening 35) becomes a first predetermined value ("1" in this example) and the movable piece 150 operates, the movable piece 150 operates in a mode (first operating mode) in which the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 is low, and when the count value (the number of balls entering the second large winning opening 35) becomes a second predetermined value ("2" in this example) and the movable piece 150 operates, the movable piece 150 operates in a mode (second operating mode) in which the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 is high. When the movable piece 150 operates in the first operating mode, the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 is extremely low, and it is difficult (effectively impossible) for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39. On the other hand, when the movable piece 150 operates in the second operating mode, the probability of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 is high, and it is easy for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39.

As described above, the second predetermined value is set for a specific jackpot type, and is not set for other jackpot types. Therefore, the five types of jackpots corresponding to the specific jackpot types for which the second predetermined value is set, i.e., the 7R 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th jackpots and the 15R 8th jackpot, are jackpots that operate the movable piece 150 in a manner in which the game ball is likely to pass through the specific area 39 (also called "V-passing scheduled jackpots") (see FIG. 47). On the other hand, the jackpots for which the second predetermined value is not set, i.e., the 7R 2nd, 4th, and 6th jackpots and the 15R 9th jackpot, are jackpots that operate the movable piece 150 in a manner in which the game ball is unlikely to pass through the specific area 39 (also called "V-non-passing scheduled jackpots") (see FIG. 47). In other words, a "V-passing jackpot" is a jackpot (probable jackpot) that is based on the assumption that a high probability state (a bonus) described below will occur (a bonus will be awarded), while a "V-non-passing jackpot" is a jackpot (non-probable jackpot) that is based on the assumption that a high probability state (a bonus) described below will not occur (a bonus will not be awarded). Note that the jackpot game (special game) related to a V-non-passing jackpot is also called the "first special game," and the jackpot game (special game) related to a V-passing jackpot is also called the "second special game."

Here, the relationship between the operation of the movable piece 150 and the game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 is as follows. As shown in FIG. 48, when the count value by the aforementioned ball entry counting means reaches a first predetermined value ("1" in this example), the movable piece 150 is put into an operating state for 80 ms (the movable piece solenoid 151 is turned ON). In other words, when the first ball entering the second large prize opening 35 is detected, the specific area 39 is put into an open state (V-open) for 80 ms (0.08 seconds). In other words, the movable piece 150 operates in an operating pattern with an operating time (opening time) of 80 ms and an operating count (opening count) of 1. In this case, the movement of the movable piece 150 is performed for only a very short time (instant) of 80 ms, so by the time the game ball that triggered the movement (the game ball that is the first (initial) ball to enter the second large prize opening 35) passes through the second large prize opening sensor 35a and reaches the location where the movable piece 150 is located, the movement of the movable piece 150 is highly likely to have ended (become in a non-operating state) (see FIG. 49(a)). Therefore, the possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 is extremely low.

On the other hand, when the count value by the ball counting means described above reaches the second predetermined value ("2" in this example), the movable piece 150 is put into an operating state for 3000 ms (the movable piece solenoid 151 is turned ON) (FIG. 48). That is, when the second ball is detected entering the second large winning hole 35, the specific area 39 is in an open state (V-open) for 3000 ms (3 seconds). That is, the movable piece 150 operates in an operating pattern with an operating time (opening time) of 3000 ms and an operating count (opening count) of 1. In this case, since the operation of the movable piece 150 is performed for a relatively long time of 3000 ms, it is highly likely that the operation of the movable piece 150 has not yet ended (is in an operating state) by the time the game ball that triggered the operation (the game ball corresponding to the second ball entering the second large winning hole 35) passes through the second large winning hole sensor 35a and reaches the installation location of the movable piece 150 (see FIG. 49(b)). Therefore, there is an extremely high possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39. If the movable piece 150 is in an operating state when the round of play ends, the operation of the movable piece 150 also ends when the round of play ends.

In this way, when the count value by the ball counting means reaches a first predetermined value, the movable piece 150 operates in a short opening operation pattern (first operation mode) that opens the specific area 39 for a very short time (80 ms), and when the count value by the ball counting means reaches a second predetermined value, the movable piece 150 operates in a long opening operation pattern (second operation mode) that opens the specific area 39 for a longer time (3000 ms) than the short opening operation pattern. In a "V non-passing scheduled jackpot", the movable piece 150 operates in the short opening operation pattern (first operation mode) in the fifth round, but does not operate in the long opening operation pattern (second operation mode) thereafter, and in a "V passing scheduled jackpot", the movable piece 150 operates in the short opening operation pattern (first operation mode) in the fifth round, and is then capable of operating in the long opening operation pattern (second operation mode).

Therefore, the "V non-passing jackpot" is a jackpot with a low probability of the game state after the jackpot game ending being the high probability state described below, in other words, a jackpot with a high probability of the game state after the jackpot game ending being the normal state (low probability state) described below, since the game ball enters the second large winning opening 35 in the fifth round, and the game ball has a very high probability of passing through the specific area 39 during the round (almost 100%). On the other hand, the "V passing jackpot" is a jackpot with a high probability of the game state after the jackpot game ending being the high probability state described below, since the game ball has a very high probability of passing through the specific area 39 during the round (almost 100%) if two or more game balls enter the second large winning opening 35 in the fifth round. Thus, in this embodiment, the fifth round of the jackpot game is a V round that determines whether the game state after the jackpot game ending is a high probability state based on whether the game ball passes through the specific area 39. Such V-rounds are also called "bonus-determining games," "specific round games," or "specific rounds."

Here, the movable piece 150 is a member that guides (distributes) the game ball that entered the V Attacker (second large winning hole 35) to the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 49, and is involved in the game ball in the V Attacker. For this reason, the movable piece 150 is usually provided in a location that is difficult to see at a glance, such as inside or at the back of the V Attacker, around the game board 2 (game area 3) or the V Attacker (see FIG. 49). In addition, the opening pattern of the large winning holes (first large winning hole 30 and second large winning hole 35) during the big win game in this embodiment is the same for the V-passing and non-V-passing big wins for each of the 7R and 15R big wins, with the opening time, number of openings, and opening order being the same, and the opening pattern in the V round (the 5th round in this example) is also the same (see FIG. 6). By controlling the operation of the movable piece 150 based on the count value (number of balls entering the V attacker) by the ball entry counting means in the V round, it becomes possible to make it difficult to determine the specific area passing status (V passing status) of the game ball in the V round, such as "at what timing the game ball that entered the V attacker may pass through the specific area 39" or "whether the game ball has passed through the specific area 39 or not."

As a result, according to the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, even if one pays close attention to the movement (opening pattern) of the V attacker as in the conventional case, it is difficult to determine (understand, predict) the result of the V round before it is determined, so it is possible to eliminate the decline in interest in the game caused by being able to determine (predict) the result of the V round (whether or not the game ball will pass through a specific area) in advance.

The large prize opening pattern is not limited to this embodiment, and the opening pattern may be different between the first large prize opening 30 and the second large prize opening 35. Also, in this embodiment, the only difference is the number of rounds (7R or 15R) depending on the type of jackpot, and the large prize opening pattern is the same, but the large prize opening pattern may be different depending on the type of jackpot. Furthermore, the operation pattern (first operation mode, second operation mode) of the movable piece 150 is not limited to this embodiment.

The distribution probability of each jackpot in the hit/miss judgment of the first special pattern (special pattern 1) is 5% for 7R 1st jackpot, 15% for 7R 2nd jackpot, 12% for 7R 3rd jackpot, 15% for 7R 4th jackpot, 18% for 7R 5th jackpot, 10% for 7R 6th jackpot, and 25% for 7R 7th jackpot. If these are divided into V-passing jackpots and V-non-passing jackpots, the V-passing jackpots are 60% (5% + 12% + 18% + 25% = 60%) and the V-non-passing jackpots are 40% (15% + 15% + 10% = 40%) (see Figures 6 and 8). On the other hand, the distribution probability of each jackpot in the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol (special symbol 2) is 80% for the 15R 8th jackpot and 20% for the 15R 9th jackpot, and if divided into V-passing and non-V-passing jackpots, the V-passing jackpot is 80% and the V-non-passing jackpot is 20% (see Figures 6 and 8). Therefore, if a jackpot is obtained by the hit/miss judgment of the second special symbol based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21, which has become easier to enter due to the operation of the opening extension function described below (occurrence of a high base state), the probability of the jackpot being a V-passing jackpot is higher than if the jackpot is obtained by the hit/miss judgment of the first special symbol based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20. In addition, if a jackpot is determined based on the second special symbol being hit based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21, a 15R jackpot will appear, which would not appear if the first special symbol being hit based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 was hit.

In this way, this pachinko game machine 1 is set up so that it is more likely to be advantageous for the player to hit the jackpot when the game ball lands in the second starting hole 21 and the hit determination is made (second special symbol hit determination) than when the game ball lands in the first starting hole 20 and the hit determination is made (first special symbol hit determination). For this reason, the player plays the game in hopes of the ball landing in the second starting hole 21. This is particularly noticeable during operation of the extended opening function, which increases the frequency of balls landing in the second starting hole 21.

In this pachinko game machine 1, the special symbol hit/miss determination (jackpot determination) is made based on a special symbol hit/miss determination random number (also called "hit/miss determination information"), and the type of jackpot in the event of a jackpot is determined based on a jackpot type determination random number (also called "symbol determination random number" or "symbol determination information"). As shown in FIG. 7(A), the special symbol hit/miss determination random number has a value in the range of "0-629", and the jackpot type determination random number has a value in the range of "0-99". Furthermore, the random numbers (obtained information) obtained based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 or the second starting hole 21 include the special symbol hit/miss determination random number and the jackpot type determination random number as well as a variable pattern random number (also called "variable pattern information").

The fluctuation pattern random number is a random number used to determine the fluctuation pattern including the fluctuation time. The fluctuation pattern random number has a value in the range of "0 to 198". In addition, the random numbers obtained based on the passage of the gate 28 include a random number for determining whether or not the normal pattern is a hit, as shown in FIG. 7 (B). The random number for determining whether or not the normal pattern is a hit is a random number used to determine whether or not to play the auxiliary game that opens the second starting hole 21 (normal pattern lottery). The normal pattern random number has a value in the range of "0 to 240".

Next, the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of controlling the game state when variable play is performed by a combination of the probability variable function for special and normal symbols, the variable time shortening function (time-saving function), and the opening extension function, which are in an activated or inactivated state. The game state when variable play is performed is an example of a variable play mode (also called a "variable mode").

The state in which the probability fluctuation function is activated for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is called the "high probability state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "normal state" or "low probability state." In the normal state, the hit/miss determination is performed using the normal state jackpot determination table, and in the high probability state, the hit/miss determination is performed using the high probability state jackpot determination table in which the value of the special symbol hit/miss determination random number that is determined to be a hit is higher than in the normal state (see Figure 8 (A)). Therefore, in the high probability state, the probability of a hit being determined in the special symbol hit/miss determination is higher than in the normal state. In other words, when the probability fluctuation function for the special symbol is activated, the probability that the result of the special symbol's variable display will be a hit (the stopped symbol will be a hit symbol) is higher than when it is not activated.

The state in which the time-saving function (time-saving function) is activated for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) is called the "time-saving state," and the state in which it is not activated is called the "non-time-saving state." In the time-saving state, the average time of fluctuation of the special symbols (the time from the start of the fluctuation display to the final display) is shorter than the average time of fluctuation of the special symbols in the non-time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, the fluctuation pattern is determined using a fluctuation pattern table that is set so that a fluctuation pattern with a short fluctuation time is selected more often than in the non-time-saving state (see Figure 9). As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace of consumption of the reserved special symbols is faster, and effective balls entering the starting hole (balls that can be stored as reserved special symbols) are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot while playing smoothly.

The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the special symbols (first special symbol and second special symbol) may operate simultaneously, or only one of them may operate. The probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the normal symbols operate in synchronization with the fluctuation time shortening function for the special symbols. In other words, the probability fluctuation function and the fluctuation time shortening function for the normal symbols operate in the time-shortening state of the special symbols, and do not operate in the non-time-shortening state. For this reason, in the time-shortening state, the probability of a hit in the normal symbol hit/miss judgment is higher than in the non-time-shortening state. Specifically, in the time-shortening state, the normal symbol hit/miss judgment (normal symbol judgment) is performed using a normal symbol hit judgment table in which the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) that is judged to be a hit is greater than that of the normal symbol hit judgment table used in the non-time-shortening state (see Figure 8 (C)). As a result, in the time-saving state (when the probability fluctuation function for normal symbols is activated), there is a higher probability that the display result of the normal symbol fluctuation display will be a winning one (the stopped symbol will be a normal winning symbol) compared to the non-time-saving state (when the probability fluctuation function for normal symbols is not activated).

In addition, in the time-saving state, the change time of the normal pattern is shorter than in the non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the change time of the normal pattern is 30 seconds in the non-time-saving state and 1 second in the time-saving state (see FIG. 8 (D)). Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the opening time extension function of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) is activated, and the opening time of the second starting hole 21 in the auxiliary play is longer than in the non-time-saving state. In addition, in the time-saving state, the opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22 is activated, and the opening count of the second starting hole 21 in the auxiliary play is greater than in the non-time-saving state. Specifically, when the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment in the non-time-saving state is a hit, the opening/closing member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) performs a single 0.2-second opening operation, and when the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment in the time-saving state is a hit, the opening/closing member 23 of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) performs three 2.0-second opening operations.

When the probability variation function and variation time reduction function for normal symbols, as well as the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22 are operating, the second starting hole 21 opens more frequently and game balls enter the second starting hole 21 more frequently than when these functions are not operating (this is also called a "high frequency state"). As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of shot balls, becomes higher. Therefore, the state in which these functions are operating is called a "high base state" or "electric support state", and the state in which they are not operating is called a "low base state". In a high base state (high frequency state), you can aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls you have.

The high base state does not necessarily have to involve the activation of all of the above functions. In other words, the activation of at least one of the functions of the probability fluctuation function and fluctuation time reduction function of the normal symbol, and the opening time extension function and opening count increase function of the variable winning device 22, makes it easier for the second starting hole 21 to open (higher ball entry frequency) compared to when that function is not activated. The high base state may also be controlled independently without being associated with the time reduction state of the special symbol. The function that generates such a high base state can also be called the "high base generation function."

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the 7R first, third, fifth, seventh jackpot or the 15R eighth jackpot occurs, the game state after the jackpot game is a high probability state of the special symbol based on the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39, and the special symbol time-saving state and high base state (see FIG. 6) because the game ball is highly likely to pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. This game state is also called a "high probability high base state." The high probability high base state is a so-called "probability change game state," and ends when a predetermined number of special symbol variable displays (variable game) are executed, or when a jackpot is hit and a jackpot game is executed. If the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39, the special symbol normal state, time-saving state, and high base state (low probability high base state) will be entered.

Then, in the high probability, high base state after the jackpot game involving any of the 7R 1st, 3rd, or 5th jackpots, if the special symbol variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times, 75 times, or 100 times) without the occurrence of a jackpot, the state will be one in which the special symbol has a high probability, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state (see Figure 6). This game state is also called the "high probability, low base state."

In addition, in the case of the 7R 2nd, 4th, and 6th jackpots and the 15R 9th jackpot, the game state after the jackpot game is the normal state of the special symbol, the time-saving state of the special symbol, and the high base state (see FIG. 6) since the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game is extremely low. This game state is also called the "low probability high base state." The low probability high base state is a so-called "time-saving game state" (also called the "time-saving state"), and ends when the special symbol variable display (variable game) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 50 times, 75 times, or 100 times) or when a jackpot game is executed after a jackpot. Note that, although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39, the "high probability high base state" will be entered.

In a high base state such as a high probability high base state or a low probability high base state, it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball to the right to enter the right play area 3B. In a high base state, the second start hole 21 is more easily opened than in a low base state, and it is easier to enter the second start hole 21 than the first start hole 20. Therefore, the ball is hit to the right to enter the second start hole 21 while passing through the gate 28, which is the trigger for determining whether the normal pattern is correct or not. This allows more start balls to be entered (opportunities to determine whether the special pattern is correct or not) than when hitting to the left. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light in a predetermined manner, and notifies the player that the ball should be launched toward the right play area 3B (right hit instruction notification).

In contrast, in a low base state (e.g., a low-probability low base state), it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball from the left to enter the left play area 3A. In a low base state, the second start hole 21 is less likely to open than in a high base state, and it is easier to hit the ball into the first start hole 20 than into the second start hole 21. For this reason, the ball is hit from the left to make the ball enter the first start hole 20. This allows for more start balls to be hit (opportunities to determine whether or not the special symbol has been hit) compared to hitting from the right. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up (display controlled) in a predetermined manner, and notifies the player that the ball should be launched toward the left play area 3A (left-hit instruction notification).

Specifically, the launch direction indicator 47 is composed of two LEDs, "yz", and indicates the launch direction by lighting the LEDs according to the game state. For example, in a low base state, it can notify that the ball should be launched into the left game area by displaying "y□z□" (e.g., □: off, ■: on) with both LEDs off. In a high base state, it can notify that the ball should be launched into the right game area by displaying "y■z■" (e.g., □: off, ■: on).

In this embodiment, the instruction notification instructing whether the game ball should be shot toward the left game area 3A or the right game area 3B is performed not only by the display mode of the LED by the shooting direction indicator 47, but also by displaying a shooting instruction image on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a). From the player's perspective, it is easier to see and understand the display contents on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) than on the shooting direction indicator 47. Therefore, the player generally looks at the shooting instruction image displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) and recognizes whether he should "shoot left" or "shoot right", that is, whether the current game state is a "left-hitting game state" in which a left-hitting game is performed or a "right-hitting game state" in which a right-hitting game is performed. The left-hitting game state is a low base state in which a variable game is performed, and the right-hitting game state is a state in which a jackpot game is performed (special game state) and a high base state in which a variable game is performed. Details of the instruction notification of the shooting direction will be described later.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, if the low-probability low base state in which the jackpot game is not being played is taken as a reference, this low-probability low base state can be regarded as a "normal game state" or "normal state", and the variable game played in the low-probability low base state can be regarded as a "normal game". In addition, the jackpot game is a game that can be executed by displaying a special pattern in a variable manner and displaying the jackpot pattern stationary, and is an advantageous game for the player in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained by the entry of game balls into the jackpot winning holes (first jackpot winning hole 30, second jackpot winning hole 35), so the jackpot game can be regarded as a "special game", and the game state in which the jackpot game is played can be regarded as a "special game state".

In this embodiment, when the game state (variation mode) is in a low base state, the game is progressed by hitting from the left, so the first special symbol hit/miss judgment (first special symbol fluctuation game) based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20 is mainly executed. On the other hand, when the game state (variation mode) is in a high base state, the game is progressed by hitting from the right, so the second special symbol hit/miss judgment (second special symbol fluctuation game) based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21 is mainly executed. Then, when any of the 7R 1st to 7th jackpots occurs in a low probability low base state (normal game state), the game state after the end of the jackpot game related to the jackpot is set (controlled) to either a "low probability high base state" or a "high probability high base state" is not announced (concealed) in the performance for a predetermined period from the occurrence of the jackpot to the end of the jackpot game, and the game state at that time is announced in the performance based on the establishment of a predetermined condition within the predetermined period. This configuration will be explained in more detail later.

The low-probability low base state (normal game state) and the high-probability low base state (i.e., the "low base state") are also referred to as the "first game state", and the low-probability high base state (time-saving game state) and the high-probability high base state (probability variable game state) (i.e., the "high base state") are also referred to as the "second game state". Furthermore, the low-probability high base state within the second game state (high base state) is also referred to as the "first mode" or "first variable mode", and the high-probability high base state, which is more advantageous to the player than the low-probability high base state, is also referred to as the "second mode" or "second variable mode". Furthermore, when the probability of a jackpot is used as a criterion, the high-probability, low base state can be said to be a more advantageous gaming state for the player than the low-probability, low base state or the low-probability, high base state. In this case, the low-probability, low base state and/or the low-probability, high base state are also referred to as the "first mode" or "first variation mode," and the high-probability, low base state is also referred to as the "second mode" or "second variation mode."

[Main control main processing]
Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 (control processing by the main control unit 80) will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 38. Note that counters, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the description of the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 are provided in the RAM of the main control board 80. Also, in this specification, "S" such as S101 ("S" in the flowchart) means a step.

When the power supply of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 reads out the main control main processing program shown in FIG. 10 from the ROM of the main control board 80 and executes it. As shown in the figure, the main control main processing starts with initial settings (S101). The initial settings include, for example, stack settings, constant settings, interrupt time settings, CPU settings of the main control board 80, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), and resetting of various flags, statuses, and counters. The initial value of the flag is "0" or "OFF", the initial value of the status is "1", and the initial value of the counter is "0". Note that the initial settings (S101) are executed only once after the power supply is turned on and are not executed thereafter.

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

When the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S104). While the interrupt is permitted, the interrupt process (S105) can be executed. This interrupt process (S105) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the CPU of the main control board 80 at a cycle of, for example, 4 ms. Then, after the interrupt process (S105) is completed and before the next interrupt process (S105) is started, the update process of various counter values by the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) is repeatedly executed. Note that if an interrupt pulse is input to the CPU when the interrupt is prohibited, the interrupt process (S105) does not start immediately, but starts after the interrupt is permitted (S104).

[Interrupt handling]
Next, the interrupt process (S105) will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, in the interrupt process (S105), first, the output process (S201) is executed. In the output process (S201), the command (control signal) etc. set in the output buffer provided in the RAM of the main control board 80 in each process described below is output to the sub-control board 90, the payout control board 110, etc. The output command etc. includes information on the game state, the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment, the pattern as the hit type (hit pattern), the variation pattern, etc. In addition, the command consists of, for example, 2 bytes of information. In this case, the upper byte is information on the type of command, and the lower byte is information on the content of the command.

In the input process (S202) that follows the output process (S201), the detection signals detected by various sensors (first start hole sensor 20a, second start hole sensor 21a, first large prize hole sensor 30a, second large prize hole sensor 35a, general prize hole sensor 27a, etc. (see Figure 5)) that are mainly installed in the pachinko game machine 1 are read and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as prize ball information. In addition, a detection signal from the lower tray full detection sensor that detects whether the lower tray 62 is full is also taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM as lower tray full data.

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

Following the normal and special pattern main random number update process (S203), the start port sensor detection process (S204), normal pattern operation process (S205), special pattern operation process (S206), specific area sensor detection process (S207), non-specific area sensor detection process (S208), start ball entry process (S209), and power off monitoring process (S210) are executed. After that, other processes not closely related to the present invention (S211) are executed, and the interrupt process (S105) is terminated. Then, the main control main process S102 to S104 are repeatedly executed (see FIG. 10) until the next interrupt pulse is input to the CPU of the main control board 80, and when the interrupt pulse is input (about 4 ms later), the interrupt process (S105) is executed again. In the output process (S201) of the interrupt process (S105) executed again, the commands set in the output buffer of the RAM in the previous interrupt process (S105) are output.

[Starting port sensor detection process]
12, in the start gate sensor detection process (S204), first, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the gate 28, that is, whether the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 28a (S301). If the game ball has not passed through the gate 28 (NO in S301), proceed to S305, and if the game ball has passed through the gate 28 (YES in S301), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls with normal symbols (the number of reserved normal symbols, specifically, the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved normal symbols provided in the RAM) is less than 4 (S302).

If the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is not less than four (NO in S302), proceed to S305. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls for normal symbols is less than four (YES in S302), add "1" to the number of reserved balls for normal symbols (S303), and perform the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304). In the normal symbol random number acquisition process (S304), the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not a normal symbol has been selected (LABEL-TRND-H) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM is acquired, and the acquired random number value (acquired information) is stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for normal symbols in the normal symbol reserved memory section provided in the RAM of the main control board 80.

In S305, it is determined whether a game ball has entered the second start hole 21, i.e., whether a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 21a (S305). If a game ball has not entered the second start hole 21 (NO in S305), the process proceeds to S309 without processing S306 to S308, and if a game ball has entered the second start hole 21 (YES in S305), it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 (the number of reserved second special charts, specifically the value of a counter that counts the number of reserved second special charts provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (the upper limit) (S306). If the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 2 is not less than four (NO in S306), the process proceeds to S309 without processing S307 and S308, but if the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 2 is less than four (YES in S306), 1 is added to the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 2 (S307).

Next, the special symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) is performed. In the special symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not the special symbol has been hit (label-TRND-A), the value of the random number counter for determining the type of big win (label-TRND-AS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM are acquired (i.e., the random number values shown in FIG. 7(A) are acquired), and these acquired random number values (acquired information) are stored in the address space of the second special symbol reserved memory unit according to the current number of reserved balls for special symbol 2.

Next, in the start hole sensor detection process (S204), it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start hole 20, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start hole sensor 20a (S309). If a game ball has not entered the first start hole 20 (NO in S309), this process is terminated without performing the processes from S310 onwards. If a game ball has entered the first start hole 20 (YES in S309), it is determined whether or not the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (the number of reserved first special charts, specifically, the value of the counter that counts the number of reserved first special charts provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80) is less than 4 (upper limit number) (S310). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not less than 4 (NO in S310), this process is terminated without performing the processes from S311 onwards. If the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is less than 4 (YES in S310), "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 (S311).

Next, the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S312) is performed. In the special chart 1 related random number acquisition process (S312), similar to the special chart 2 related random number acquisition process (S308), the value of the special pattern hit/miss determination counter (label-TRND-A), the value of the jackpot type determination random number counter (label-TRND-AS), and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (label-TRND-T1) stored in the update value memory area (not shown) of the RAM are acquired (i.e., the random number values shown in FIG. 7(A) are acquired), and these acquired random number values are stored in the address space corresponding to the current number of reserved balls for special chart 1 in the first special chart reserved memory unit.

[General Action Processing]
After the start port sensor detection process (S204), the game control microcomputer 81 performs the normal symbol operation process (S205) shown in FIG. 13. In the normal symbol operation process (S205), the process related to the normal symbol display 42 and the variable winning device 22 is divided into four stages, and each stage is assigned a "normal symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4". If the normal symbol operation status is "1" (YES in S401), a normal symbol standby process (S402) is performed; if it is "2" (NO in S401, YES in S403), a normal symbol variable process (S404) is performed; if it is "3" (NO in both S401 and S403, YES in S405), a normal symbol determination process (S406) is performed; if it is "4" (NO in S401, S403, and S405), a normal electric device process (S407) is performed. The default operating status is "1".

[Normal symbol standby processing]
As shown in FIG. 14, in the normal symbol waiting process (S402), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is "0" (S501), and if it is "0" (YES in S501), this process is terminated without performing the process after S502. On the other hand, if the number of reserved balls of the normal symbol is not "0" (NO in S501), the normal symbol hit/miss determination process described later is performed (S502), and then the normal symbol change pattern selection process is performed (S503). In the normal symbol change pattern selection process, by referring to the normal symbol change pattern selection table shown in FIG. 8 (D), if the game state is in the time-saving state, the normal symbol change pattern with a change time of 1 second is selected. On the other hand, if the game state is not in the time-saving state, the normal symbol change pattern with a change time of 30 seconds is selected.

Next, the normal pattern random number shift process (S504) described below is performed, followed by the normal pattern change start process (S505), which ends this process. In the normal pattern change start process (S505), the display of the normal pattern changes is started using the normal pattern change pattern selected in S503, and the normal operation status is set to "2". In addition, in the normal pattern change start process, a normal pattern change start command is set to notify the sub-control board 90 that the normal pattern change has started.

[Normal pattern correctness determination process]
As shown in FIG. 15, in the normal symbol hit/miss judgment process (S502), first, the value of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment random number counter (label-TRND-H) stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit is read (S601). Next, it is judged whether the time-saving flag is ON (whether the game state is in the time-saving state or not) (S602). If it is judged that the time-saving flag is ON, that is, the game state is in the time-saving state (YES in S602), it is judged whether or not there is a hit by the high probability normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the table for the time-saving state (hit judgment value is "0" to "239") in the normal symbol hit judgment table shown in FIG. 8 (C) (S604), and the process proceeds to S605. In other words, it is judged whether or not the value of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment random number counter (label-TRND-H) read out matches any of the hit judgment values. On the other hand, if it is determined in S602 that the time-saving flag is not ON, that is, that the game is in a non-time-saving state (NO in S602), a low-probability normal symbol hit/miss judgment based on the table for non-time-saving states (hit judgment values are "0" and "1") among the normal symbol hit judgment tables shown in FIG. 8 (C) is used to judge whether or not the game is a hit (S603), and the process proceeds to S605. Then, it is determined whether or not the result of the normal symbol hit/miss judgment (S603, S604) is a hit (normal symbol hit) (S605), and if it is determined to be a miss (NO in S605), a miss normal symbol (normal symbol miss symbol) to be displayed as a stop symbol is determined (S606), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined to be a hit (normal symbol hit) in S605 (YES in S605), a hit normal symbol (normal symbol hit symbol) to be displayed as a stop symbol is determined (S607), the normal symbol hit flag is set to ON (S608), and the process ends.

[Normal pattern random number shift processing]
As shown in FIG. 16, in the normal pattern random number shift process (S504), first, the number of normal pattern reserved balls is decremented by 1 (S701). Next, the storage location of each normal pattern reserved in the normal pattern reserved memory unit is shifted one position from the current position to the side to be read (S702). Then, the address space which is the storage location of the top reserved memory in the normal pattern reserved memory unit is made empty ("0"), that is, the RAM area corresponding to the fourth normal pattern reserved is cleared to 0 (S703), and this process is completed. In this way, the normal pattern reserved is consumed in the reserved order.

[Normal pattern change processing]
As shown in Fig. 17, in the normal pattern change process (S404), first, it is determined whether the normal pattern change time has elapsed (S801), and if it has not elapsed (NO in S801), this process is terminated without performing the processes from S802 onwards. On the other hand, if the normal pattern change time has elapsed (YES in S801), a normal pattern change stop command is set (S802) and the normal pattern operation status is set to "3" (S803). Then, other processes such as stopping the normal pattern change display with the display result (won normal pattern or lost normal pattern) according to the result of the normal pattern hit/miss judgment random number are performed (S804), and this process is terminated.

[Normal design confirmation process]
As shown in FIG. 18, in the normal pattern determination process (S406), first, it is determined whether the normal pattern hit flag is ON (S901). If the normal pattern hit flag is not ON (NO in S901), the normal pattern operation status is set to "1" (S905), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the normal pattern hit flag is ON (YES in S901), it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON, that is, whether the time-saving state is in progress (S902). If the time-saving state is in progress (YES in S902), the opening pattern during the time-saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) (S903). As described above, the opening pattern during the time-saving state is an opening pattern that repeats 2.0-second opening three times. Therefore, the second starting hole opening counter that counts the number of times the second starting hole 21 is opened is set to "3".

On the other hand, if the game is not in the time-saving state (NO in S902), the opening pattern during the non-time-saving state is set as the opening pattern of the variable winning device 22 (second starting hole 21) (S906). As described above, the opening pattern during the non-time-saving state is an opening pattern in which a 0.2-second opening is performed once. Therefore, the second starting hole opening counter is set to "1". Then, following the setting of the opening pattern (S903, S906), the normal operation status is set to "4" (S904), and this process ends.

[Normal electric accessory processing]
As shown in Fig. 19, in the normal electric accessory process (S407), first, it is determined whether the normal winning end flag is ON (S1001). The normal winning end flag is a flag that indicates that the opening of the second starting hole 21 has ended in the auxiliary game that was executed as a winning.

If the normal hit end flag is not ON (NO in S1001), it is determined whether the second start port 21 is open (S1002). If it is not open (NO in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to open the second start port 21 has arrived (S1003). If not (NO in S1003), this process is terminated. If it has arrived, the second start port 21 is opened (S1004), and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the second start port 21 is open (YES in S1002), it is determined whether the time (timing) to close the second start port 21 has arrived (i.e., whether a predetermined opening time has elapsed since the second start port 21 was opened) (S1005). If not (NO in S1005), this process is terminated. If it has arrived (YES in S1005), the second start port 21 is closed (S1006).

Following the closing process of the second starting hole 21 (S1006), the value of the second starting hole opening counter is decremented by 1 (S1007), and it is determined whether the value of the second starting hole opening counter is "0" or not (S1008). If it is not "0" (NO in S1008), this process is terminated to open the second starting hole 21 again. On the other hand, if the value of the second starting hole opening counter is "0" (YES in S1008), a normal winning end process (S1009) is performed to end the auxiliary game, and the normal winning end flag is set (S1010), and this process is terminated. Note that the second starting hole opening counter becomes "0" when the second starting hole 21 is opened (the opening operation of the opening/closing member 23) three times during the time-saving state, and becomes "0" when the second starting hole 21 is opened once during the non-time-saving state.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1001 that the normal symbol win end flag is ON (YES in S1001), the opening operation of the second starting port 21 has ended the number of times set in S903 or S906, so the normal symbol win end flag is turned OFF (S1011), the normal symbol win flag is turned OFF (S1012), the normal symbol operation status is set to "1" (S1013), and this process ends. As a result, in the next interrupt process, the normal symbol wait process (S402) will be executed again as the normal symbol operation process (S205).

[Special diagram operation processing]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs special symbol operation processing (S206) following normal symbol operation processing (S205). As shown in Fig. 20, in the special symbol operation processing (S206), the processing related to the special symbol display device 41 and the big prize device (first big prize device 31, second big prize device 36) is divided into four stages, and "special symbol operation status 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each stage. If the special symbol operation status is "1" (YES in S1101), special symbol standby processing (S1102) is performed; if it is "2" (NO in S1101, YES in S1103), special symbol changing processing (S1104) is performed; if it is "3" (NO in S1101, S1103, YES in S1105), special symbol determination processing (S1106) is performed; if it is "4" (NO in S1101, S1103, S1105), special electric accessory processing (S1107) is performed as a jackpot game. The special symbol operation status is initially set to "1".

[Special symbol standby process]
As shown in Fig. 21, in the special symbol waiting process (S1102), first, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the second starting hole 21 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in special symbol 2) is "0" (S1201). If the number of reserved balls in special symbol 2 is "0" (YES in S1201), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value acquired due to a ball entering the second starting hole 21, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls in the first starting hole 20 (i.e., the number of reserved balls in special symbol 1) is "0" (S1206). Then, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is also "0" (YES in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value obtained as a result of a ball entering the first starting hole 20, it is determined whether or not the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is in the process of becoming a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers is being executed) (S1211), and if so (YES in S1211), this process ends without performing the processing of S1212, and if not (NO in S1211), a standby screen setting process is executed to display the standby screen (S1212).

If it is determined in S1201 that the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 2 is not "0" (NO in S1201), that is, if there is one or more memories of random number counter values obtained due to a ball entering the second starting hole 21, the Special Chart 2 hit/miss determination process (S1202), Special Chart 2 change pattern selection process (S1203), Special Chart 2 random number shift process (S1204), and Special Chart 2 change start process (S1205) described below are performed in this order. In addition, if the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is "0" but the number of reserved balls for special chart 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), that is, if there is no memory of the random number counter value related to the second starting hole 21 but there is one or more memories of the random number counter value acquired due to the ball entering the first starting hole 20, the special chart 1 hit/miss judgment process (S1207), the special chart 1 change pattern selection process (S1208), the special chart 1 random number shift process (S1209), and the special chart 1 change start process (S1210) described later are performed in this order. Thus, in this embodiment, the change display of the first special pattern based on the first special pattern reservation is performed only when the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 is "0" (YES in S1201). In other words, the consumption of the second special pattern reservation (the change display of the second special pattern) is executed in priority to the consumption of the first special pattern reservation (the change display of the first special pattern). In this embodiment, a win/loss determination based on the second reserved special chart is more likely to result in a jackpot that is more profitable for the player than a win/loss determination based on the first reserved special chart (see Figure 8 (B)).

[Special diagram 2 pass/fail judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 22, in the special symbol 2 hit/miss judgment process (S1202), first, the value (label-TRND-A) of the random number counter for determining whether or not the special symbol hit/miss is stored (oldest memory) in the lowest area of the second special symbol reserved memory section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first one of the second special symbol reserved) is read as a judgment value (S1301). Next, it is judged whether or not the probability variable flag is ON, that is, whether or not the state is high probability (S1302). Then, if the state is not high probability (NO in S1302), that is, if the state is normal, a hit/miss judgment is made based on the hit judgment table for normal state (the hit judgment value is "3" and "397") in the hit judgment table (see FIG. 8 (A)) (S1303). On the other hand, if the state is high probability (YES in S1302), a hit/miss judgment is made based on the hit judgment table for high probability state in the hit judgment table (see FIG. 8 (A)) (S1304). In the jackpot determination table for high probability states, the jackpot determination values are "3,""53,""113,""173,""227,""281,""337,""397,""449," and "503."

If the result of the hit/miss determination (S1303, S1304) is a "jackpot" (YES in S1305), the value of the random number counter for determining the type of jackpot (label-TRND-AS) is read out, the type of jackpot is determined based on the jackpot type determination table shown in FIG. 8(B) (S1307), the jackpot pattern is determined based on the value of the random number for determining the type of jackpot (S1308), the jackpot flag is turned ON (S1309), and this process ends. On the other hand, if the result of the hit/miss determination (S1303, S1304) is not a "jackpot" (NO in S1305) (it is a "miss"), the miss pattern is determined (S1306), and this process ends.

When determining the type of jackpot, in the case of a win/loss judgment related to the first special symbol, the type of jackpot is determined using the jackpot type judgment table for the first special symbol, and in the case of a win/loss judgment related to the second special symbol, the type of jackpot is determined using the jackpot type judgment table for the second special symbol. Note that the special symbol win/loss judgment and the jackpot type determination judgment may each be called "judgments", or the jackpot judgment may be performed and the determination of which jackpot symbol will be obtained may also be called "judgments". In addition, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the win/loss judgment related to the second special symbol (S1303, S1304) functions as the "second win/loss judgment means".

[Special Chart 2 Variation Pattern Selection Processing]
As shown in Fig. 21, in the special symbol waiting process (S1102), the special symbol 2 hit/miss determination process (S1202) is followed by the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203). As shown in Fig. 23 and Fig. 24, in the special symbol 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203), first, it is determined whether the game state is in a time-saving state (whether the time-saving flag is ON or not) (S1401). As a result, if it is determined that the game state is not in a time-saving state (NO in S1401), that is, if it is in a non-time-saving state, it is then determined whether the big win flag is ON or not (S1402).

If it is determined in S1402 that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1402), the table for jackpots in non-time-saving state (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state and jackpot) is referenced to select a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1403). In this embodiment, one of fluctuation patterns P1 to P3 is selected. Note that in this embodiment, once the fluctuation pattern is determined, the fluctuation time is also determined. Next, the process proceeds to S1404.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1402 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1402), it is then determined whether the reserved number of the second special symbol is "1" or "2" (S1405). The reserved number here refers to the number of memories including the information that determines the variation pattern by this process, so the number of reserved memories is set to any value from "1" to "4". Then, if it is determined in S1405 that the reserved number is either "1" or "2" (YES in S1405), a variation pattern is selected based on the variation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the first reserved number miss table (the part of the variation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "1, 2") (S1406). In this embodiment, one of the variation patterns P4 to P7 is selected. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1405 that the reserved number is neither "1" nor "2", i.e., either "3" or "4" (NO in S1405), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the second reserved number miss table (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the non-time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "3, 4") (S1407). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P8 to P11 is selected. In addition, the first reserved number miss table is set to be more likely to select a fluctuation pattern with a relatively long fluctuation time than the second reserved number miss table. In addition, the shortest selectable fluctuation time (12,000 ms) is also longer than that of the second reserved number miss table (4,000 ms).

In addition, if it is determined in S1401 that the time-saving state is in effect (YES in S1401), as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S1408). As a result, if it is determined that the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S1408), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the time-saving state jackpot table (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state and jackpot) (S1409). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P12 to P14 is selected.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S1408 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S1408), it is determined whether the reserved number is "1" or not (S1410). The reserved number here is the same as described above, and the reserved number is set to any value between "1" and "4". If it is determined in S1410 that the reserved number is "1" (YES in S1410), a fluctuation pattern is selected based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) by referring to the third reserved number miss table (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "1") (S1411). In this embodiment, one of the fluctuation patterns P15 to P18 is selected.

In addition, if it is determined in S1410 that the reserved number is not "1", that is, that the reserved number is any one of "2" to "4" (NO in S1410), a fourth reserved number miss table (the portion of the fluctuation pattern table shown in FIG. 9 that corresponds to the time-saving state, miss, and reserved ball number "2 to 4") is referenced to select a fluctuation pattern based on the fluctuation pattern random number counter value (label-TRND-T1) (S1411). In this embodiment, one of fluctuation patterns P19 to P22 is selected. Here, the fluctuation pattern selected in the time-saving state and miss is more likely to be a short fluctuation pattern than the fluctuation pattern selected in the non-time-saving state and miss. This is to speed up the consumption of the reserved special chart (to make the game progress quickly during the time-saving state) by selecting more fluctuation patterns with short fluctuation times in the time-saving state.

After the variation pattern is selected as described above, other processing shown in FIG. 23 is performed (S1404), and this processing ends. In addition, in the other processing (S1404), processing such as setting a variation pattern designation command corresponding to the selected variation pattern in the output buffer of the RAM is performed. In addition, the variation pattern designation command set in this processing is included in a variation start command described below, and is transmitted to the sub-control unit 90 by the output processing (S201).

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

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

In addition, in the special pattern waiting process (S1102) shown in FIG. 21, if the number of reserved balls for special pattern 2 is "0" and the number of reserved balls for special pattern 1 is not "0" (YES in S1201, NO in S1206), the special pattern 1 hit/miss determination process (S1207), special pattern 1 change pattern selection process (S1208), special pattern 1 random number shift process (S1209), and special pattern 1 change start process (S1210) are performed in this order.

[Special diagram 1 pass/fail judgment process]
As shown in FIG. 26, in the special symbol 1 hit/miss judgment process (S1207), each process from S1601 to S1609 is performed in the same flow as the special symbol 2 hit/miss judgment process (S1202) shown in FIG. 22. Therefore, detailed explanation of this process is omitted. However, since this process is a process related to the special symbol 1, in S1601, the random number counter value for special symbol hit/miss judgment (label-TRND-A) stored in the lowest area of the first special symbol reserved memory section of the RAM (i.e., the RAM area corresponding to the first one of the first special symbol reserved) is read and processed. In addition, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the hit/miss judgment related to the first special symbol (S1603, S1604) functions as the "first hit/miss judgment means".

[Special Chart 1 Variation Pattern Selection Processing]
As shown in Figures 27 and 28, in the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process (S1208), processing (S1701 to S1712) is performed in the same manner as the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1403) shown in Figures 23 and 24. Therefore, a detailed description of this process will be omitted.

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

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

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

On the other hand, if it is determined that the fluctuation time has elapsed (YES in S1901), a fluctuation stop command is set (S1902). Next, it is determined whether the high probability flag is ON (S1903), and if it is ON (YES in S1903), the high probability counter is decremented by 1 (S1904), and it is determined whether the value of the high probability counter is "0" (S1905). If it is determined that the value of the high probability counter is "0" (YES in S1905), the high probability flag is turned OFF (S1906), and processing transitions to S1907. On the other hand, if it is determined that the high probability flag is not ON (NO in S1903), or if it is determined that the value of the high probability counter is not "0" (NO in S1905), processing transitions to S1907.

In S1907, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON (S1907), and if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON (YES in S1907), the value of the time-saving counter that counts the number of times the special pattern variable display is executed during the time-saving state is decremented by 1 (S1908), and it is determined whether the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (S1909). If the value of the time-saving counter is "0" (YES in S1909), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S1910), and the process proceeds to S1911. Also, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is not ON (NO in S1907) or if it is determined that the value of the time-saving counter is not "0" (NO in S1909), the process proceeds to S1911.

In S1911, the special symbol operation status is set to "3" (S1911). Next, other processing is performed, such as stopping the variable display of the special symbol based on the results of the special symbol hit/miss judgment random number and the jackpot type determination random number (S1912), and this processing ends. When the game control microcomputer 81 stops (ends) the variable display of the special symbol, it sets the stopped display time (stopped display period) of the special symbol (stopped symbol). Then, when the set stopped display time (stopped display period) has elapsed, it performs the special symbol determination process (S1106).

The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) executes the process of turning off the high probability flag when the high probability counter value becomes "0" and turning off the time-saving flag when the time-saving counter value becomes "0" (S1906, S1910), and functions as a "game state control means" or a "mode setting means".

[Special design confirmation process]
As shown in Fig. 31, in the special symbol determination process (S1106), first, it is determined whether the jackpot flag is ON (S2001). If the jackpot flag is ON (YES in S2001), it is determined whether the type of the current jackpot is a 15R jackpot (15R 8th jackpot or 15R 9th jackpot) (S2002). As a result, if it is determined that the type of the current jackpot is a 15R jackpot (YES in S2002), the value of the round counter that counts the number of rounds executed during the jackpot game is set to "15" (S2003), and the process proceeds to S2006. On the other hand, if it is determined that the type of this jackpot is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S2002), the type of jackpot is a 7R jackpot (any of the 1st to 7th jackpots of 7R), so the round counter value is set to "7" (S2005) and processing proceeds to S2006.

In S2006, lighting pattern data that determines the display mode (lighting mode) of the round indicator 45 is set (S2006), and the process proceeds to S2007. Specifically, lighting pattern data for the two LEDs (7R lamp, 15R lamp) that make up the round indicator 45 is set (S2006) according to the result of the determination in S2002 described above, i.e., the type of the current jackpot (number of rounds). When this set lighting pattern data is output by the output process (S201), the LEDs (round lamps) of the round indicator 45 are lit up according to the lighting pattern data.

In S2007, the lighting pattern data that determines the display mode (lighting mode) of the winning indicator 48 is set (S2007), and the process proceeds to S2008. As described above, the winning indicator 48 indicates whether the special symbol hit judgment that triggered the winning when the winning was generated (when the winning symbol was displayed) was the first special symbol hit judgment or the second special symbol hit judgment. The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment has two types of winning, "7R winning" (7R 1st to 7th winning) and "15R winning" (15R 8th and 9th winning), and the "7R winning" is the winning type when the winning is the first special symbol hit judgment, and the "15R winning" is the winning type when the winning is the second special symbol hit judgment (see FIG. 6). Therefore, in this embodiment, based on the judgment result of S2002 described above, the lighting pattern data of the three LEDs constituting the winning indicator 48 is set (S2007). That is, if it is judged in S2002 that the type of the current jackpot is a 15R jackpot (YES in S2002), the current jackpot is based on the judgment of whether or not the second special symbol is a winning combination (also called a "special symbol 2 jackpot"). As the lighting pattern data corresponding to this, data for lighting the "b1" and "b3" LEDs out of the three "b1 to b3" LEDs shown in FIG. 4 is set. On the other hand, if it is determined in S2002 that the type of the current jackpot is not a 15R jackpot (NO in S2002), the type of the current jackpot is a 7R jackpot, and the jackpot is determined by the first special symbol hit/miss judgment (also called a "special symbol 1 jackpot"). Therefore, as the lighting pattern data corresponding to this, data for lighting the "b1" and "b2" LEDs out of the three "b1 to b3" LEDs shown in FIG. 4 is set. When this set lighting pattern data is output by the output process (S201), the LEDs of the hit indicator 48 are lit according to the lighting pattern data.

In this embodiment, the 7R jackpot is set as the special 1 jackpot, and the 15R jackpot is set as the special 2 jackpot, so that the 15R jackpot is not derived as a result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment, and the 7R jackpot is not derived as a result of the second special symbol hit/miss judgment (see FIG. 6). For this reason, when setting the lighting pattern data of the hit indicator 48 in S2007, it is set based on the judgment result of S2002 (the type of the hit that occurred). On the other hand, for example, if a common type of hit is set for the special 1 jackpot and the special 2 jackpot, the type of the special symbol hit/miss judgment that triggered the hit (the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment) cannot be determined based on the type of the hit that occurred. In such a case, for example, the jackpot flags set in the above-mentioned S1309 and S1609 can be divided into those corresponding to the special jackpot 1 (for example, the "special jackpot 1 flag") and those corresponding to the special jackpot 2 (for example, the "special jackpot 2 flag"). In this way, by determining the type of jackpot flag that is ON (special jackpot 1 flag or special jackpot 2 flag), it becomes possible to determine the type of special pattern hit/miss judgment that triggered the jackpot when the jackpot occurred, and this makes it possible to appropriately determine the lighting pattern data of the hit indicator 48.

Next, in S2008, the large prize opening pattern corresponding to the type of jackpot (type of jackpot) is set (S2008), and the process proceeds to S2009. As mentioned above, the opening pattern of the large prize opening is determined according to the type of jackpot (see FIG. 6). Specifically, if the jackpot is any of the 7R 1st to 7th jackpots, the opening pattern for the 7R jackpot corresponding to the respective jackpot is set, and if the 15R 8th or 15R 9th jackpot is the 15R jackpot corresponding to the respective jackpot is set. Then, in each jackpot game, the opening and closing operation of the large prize opening (special ball opening) is executed according to the corresponding jackpot opening pattern.

Next, the movable piece operation timing according to the type of jackpot is set (S2009), and the process proceeds to S2010. As described above, the operation of the movable piece 150 in the V round (the fifth round in this embodiment) is performed based on the number of game balls entering the second big prize winning port 35 (V attacker), and the number of balls that triggers the operation is determined according to the type of jackpot (see FIG. 47). Specifically, a "first predetermined value (c1) corresponding to the number of balls that determines the first operation timing" and a "second predetermined value (c2) corresponding to the number of balls that determines the second operation timing" that are predetermined according to the type of jackpot are set (predetermined value setting means). In this embodiment, the first predetermined value (c1) is set to "1", and the second predetermined value (c2) is set to "2". The operation of the movable piece 150 is controlled based on the value set in S2009 and the count value (number of balls entering the V attacker) by the ball entry counting means in the V round (5th round). Note that the second predetermined value (c2) is not set if the type of jackpot is a "V non-passing jackpot", but is set only if the type is a "V passing jackpot".

In S2010, in order to start a jackpot game, an opening command for the jackpot is set (S2010). The opening command is determined according to the type of jackpot, and an opening command is provided for each jackpot, such as an opening command for the 7R first jackpot, an opening command for the 7R second jackpot, etc. Then, an opening period corresponding to the set opening command is set.

The main control unit 80 transmits the set opening command to the sub-control unit 90 at a predetermined timing by output processing (S201). Then, the sub-control unit 90 that receives the opening command performs a predetermined game presentation corresponding to the opening period.

In addition, in S2011, the opening period of the jackpot game is started (S2011), and the special chart operation status is set to "4" (S2012). In addition, if it is determined in S2001 that the jackpot flag is not ON (NO in S2001), the special chart operation status is set to "1" (S2013), and the process ends.

The opening period is a period that is set before the first opening operation of the big prize opening in a jackpot game is started and after the stop display time (stop display period) of the special pattern (performance pattern) stopped and displayed with the jackpot pattern has elapsed, and is a period during which the variable display of the special pattern (performance pattern) cannot be executed. The opening period is also called the "start period". The performance executed in the opening period (start period) is also called the "opening performance" or "start performance". The length of the opening period (opening time) is generally set to a length that allows the player to recognize that a jackpot game is about to start, and may be longer or shorter than the jackpot stop display time, or may be the same time as the jackpot stop display time. The length of the opening period (opening time) may also be varied depending on the game state when the jackpot occurs and the type of jackpot.

The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the processes of S2010 and S2011 functions as an "opening period setting means."

[Special electric device processing (jackpot play)]
As shown in FIG. 32, in the special electric role processing (S1107), first, it is determined whether the probability variable flag is ON (S2101), and if it is determined that the probability variable flag is ON (YES in S2101), the probability variable flag is turned OFF (S2102), and then it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON (S2103). If it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON in S2103 (YES in S2103), the time-saving flag is turned OFF (S2104), and the process proceeds to S2105. Note that if it is determined that the probability variable flag is not ON in S2101 (NO in S2101), the probability variable flag is OFF, so the process proceeds to S2103 without performing the process of S2102. Also, if it is determined in S2103 that the time-saving flag is not ON (NO in S2103), the time-saving flag is OFF, so the process proceeds to S2105 without processing S2104. In other words, during the execution of a jackpot game, the game is controlled to a low probability state and a non-time-saving state. In this embodiment, the game is always in a low base state during a non-time-saving state, so the game is also controlled to a low base state during the execution of a jackpot game.

Next, it is determined whether the jackpot end flag is ON (S2105). The jackpot end flag is a flag indicating that all opening processes of the big prize winning devices (first big prize winning device 31 and second big prize winning device 36) in the jackpot game have been completed (all rounds have been completed). If it is determined that the jackpot end flag is not ON (NO in S2105), it is then determined whether it is time to start a round (S2106). This is determined based on the big prize winning port opening pattern set for each jackpot type described above. For example, if it is before the start of the first round, it is determined whether the opening period has ended and it is the timing to execute the first opening process of the first round. Also, if the first round has already started, it is determined whether the previous round has ended and the specified interval period has ended. Note that the round is also simply called "R" or "round game".

If it is determined in S2106 that it is time to start a round (YES in S2106), the round start command for the corresponding round is set (S2107), the special prize opening process is performed (S2108), and this process ends. This causes the special prize opening to be opened and the specified round begins. In S2107, a round start command that can specify the round to begin is set, such as a "1R start command" for the start of the first round, or a "2R start command" for the start of the second round. The set round start command is sent to the sub-control unit 90 by the output process of S201. In addition, in the special prize opening process of S2108, a special prize opening opening pattern that is determined according to the type of jackpot to be executed and that is determined for the round to be started is started.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2106 that it is not time to start a round (NO in S2106), the process proceeds to S2111. Here, examples of cases where it is determined that it is not time to start a round include an opening period before the start of a round, during a round, and during an interval period after the end of a round. In S2111, it is determined whether a round is being executed, that is, whether the large prize opening operation based on the predetermined opening pattern started in S2108 is being executed (S2111). As a result, if it is determined that a round is being executed (the large prize opening operation is being executed) (YES in S2111), it is determined whether the currently executed round is a V round (S2112). As described above, in this embodiment, the fifth round of the big win game is the V round, so here it is determined whether it is the fifth round. If the currently executing round is the V round (fifth round) (YES in S2112), the V round processing described below is performed (S2113); if it is not the V round (NO in S2112), the process moves to S2114 without performing the V round processing (S2113).

In S2114, it is determined whether the round end condition of the currently running round has been met (S2114). Here, the round end conditions in this embodiment are defined as follows: (1) the round execution time (25 seconds in this embodiment) set for the currently running round has elapsed (or the release pattern set for the currently running round has ended), and (2) the specified number of game balls (9 in this embodiment) set for the currently running round have entered the balls in the currently running round. Then, when either of the conditions is met, the round end condition is met based on the condition that was met first. If it is determined in S2114 that the round end condition has not been met (NO in S2114), this process ends without carrying out the processes in S2115 and onward.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2114 that the round end condition has been met (YES in S2114), a round end command for the corresponding round is set (S2115), and processing proceeds to S2116. In S2115, a round end command that can identify the round that is ending is set, such as a "1R end command" if the first round is ending, or a "2R end command" if the second round is ending. The set round end command is sent to the sub-control unit 90 by the output processing of S201.

In S2116, the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30 or second large prize opening 35) is closed when the round ends, and a process of setting a predetermined interval time (large prize opening closing process) is performed (S2116). In this embodiment, two types of interval time between rounds are provided: "2000 ms (2 seconds)" and "200 ms (0.2 seconds)". The interval time set at the end of the V round (the interval period between the 5th round and the 6th round) is "2000 ms", and the interval time set at the end of other rounds is "200 ms". At the end of the V round, in order to secure time to determine whether the number of balls entered and the number of balls discharged in the V round match or not from the viewpoint of monitoring the presence or absence of ball jamming and preventing fraud, the interval time after the end of the V round is "2000 ms", and the interval time between other rounds is "200 ms". This makes it possible to monitor ball jams and prevent cheating during the V round, while allowing the alternating opening of the first major prize opening 30 and the second major prize opening 35 to proceed quickly and smoothly during the other rounds.

Next, in S2117, it is determined whether the interval time set in the previous big prize opening closing process (S2116) has elapsed (S2117). This S2117 process is also performed following the case where it is determined in S2111 that the round is not being executed (NO in S2111). If it is determined in S2117 that the interval time has not elapsed (NO in S2117), this process is terminated as it is, and if it is determined that the interval time has elapsed (YES in S2117), the value of the round counter is decremented by 1 (S2118), and it is determined whether the value of the round counter is "0" (S2119). Then, if it is determined that the value of the round counter is not "0" (NO in S2119), this process is terminated to start the next round. On the other hand, if it is determined that the value of the round counter is "0" (YES in S2119), a big prize end process (S2120) is executed to end the big prize game. In the jackpot end process (S2120), the jackpot ending command is set and the jackpot ending period is started. Next, the jackpot end flag is turned ON (S2121), and this process ends. The round counter value becomes "0" when all rounds in the executed jackpot are completed.

Here, in the jackpot end process (S2120), a process for setting an ending command is performed, and the ending command to be set is selected from multiple ending commands based on the game state at the time of the jackpot, the jackpot type information, and the ON/OFF state of the V flag. The ending period that is executed (set) differs depending on the type of ending command that is set.

The ending period is the period that is set after all opening operations of the large prize openings (first large prize opening 30 and second large prize opening 35) during a jackpot game have been completed and before the variable display of special patterns (performance patterns) can be executed. The ending period is also called the "end period." During the ending period (end period), the large prize openings are in a closed state. The performance executed during the ending period (end period) is also called the "ending performance" or "end performance."

In addition, in a V round (a jackpot game), information indicating whether or not the game ball passed through a specific area is also called "specific area information." This specific area information includes information indicating that the game ball passed through a specific area in a V round (V flag: ON) and information indicating that the game ball did not pass through a specific area in a V round (V flag: OFF), and an ending period determination means (end period determination means) that determines the ending period can determine the ending period based on this specific area information.

In S2105, if it is determined that the jackpot end flag is ON (YES in S2105), the final round in the jackpot game has ended, so it is determined whether the execution time for the jackpot ending performance has elapsed (S2122), and if it is determined that the ending time has not elapsed (NO in S2122), the processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending time has elapsed (YES in S2122), the jackpot end flag is turned OFF (S2123), and the game status setting processing (S2124) described below is performed. Next, the jackpot flag is turned OFF (S2125), the special symbol operation status is set to "1" (S2126), and the processing ends. As a result, in the next interrupt processing, the special symbol standby processing (S1102) will be executed again as the special symbol operation processing (S206).

The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the above special electric device processing (S1107) functions as a "special game execution means." In addition, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the special symbol waiting processing (S1102), the special symbol variable processing (S1104), and the special symbol determination processing (S1106) among the special symbol operation processing (S206) functions as a "variable game execution means."

[V round processing]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the V round process (S2113), first, it is determined whether the number of game balls entering the V attacker (second large winning hole 35) during the V round, that is, the count value by the aforementioned ball entry counting means, is the first predetermined value (c1) (S2701). As described above, in the V round, the movable piece 150 is operated based on the number of game balls entering the V attacker during the V round, and the "first predetermined value (first count value)" and "second predetermined value (second count value)" that determine the number of balls that trigger the operation are set in the aforementioned S2009. In S2701, it is determined whether the count value by the ball entry counting means in the current V round is the "first predetermined value (c1) corresponding to the number of balls that specifies the first operation timing" set in S2009. In this embodiment, the first predetermined value (c1) is set to "1" regardless of the type of jackpot (see Figure 47), so if the count value by the ball counting means is "1" (YES in S2701), processing of S2702 is performed, and if it is not "1" (NO in S2701), processing of S2703 is proceeded to without performing processing of S2702.

In S2702, a specific area opening/closing process is performed in which the specific area 39 is opened and closed by operating the movable piece 150 (S2702). Since the specific area opening/closing process here corresponds to the first operation of the movable piece 150 based on the number of balls entering the V attacker being "1", the operation of the movable piece 150 in this case is performed in a short opening operation pattern (first operation mode) that opens the specific area 39 for only 80 ms (see FIG. 48).

In addition, in S2702, the specific area effective period is set in association with the operation of the movable piece 150. The specific area effective period is a period during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be valid (a bonus is awarded). The period other than the effective period is a period during which the detection of the game ball by the specific area sensor 39a is determined to be invalid (a bonus is not awarded). If a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during a period other than the specific area effective period (outside the specific area effective period), the detection is determined to be invalid, and it is determined that a "specific area abnormal passage", which is a type of error regarding the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39, has occurred (error determination means). In this embodiment, the specific area effective period is set to be the period from the start of the operation of the movable piece 150 in the V round to the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 2 seconds) after the end of the operation. The reason why the valid period continues even after the operation of the movable piece 150 ends is that if a game ball passes through the specific area 39 just before the operation of the movable piece 150 ends and the game ball is detected by the specific area 39a, the detection is treated as valid. Note that since the operation of the movable piece 150 in S2702 is based on a short opening operation pattern, the possibility that the game ball will be detected by the specific area sensor 39a due to this operation is extremely low.

Next, in S2703, it is determined whether the V round (jackpot game) being executed is related to a "V passing scheduled jackpot" (S2703). In the case of a V passing scheduled jackpot, after the first operation (short opening operation pattern) of the movable piece 150 is performed during the V round, the second operation can be executed by the subsequent entry of the game ball into the V attacker. Therefore, in S2703, it is determined whether the V round being executed is related to a "V passing scheduled jackpot", and if it is determined that it is not a V passing scheduled jackpot (NO in S2703), that is, if the V round being executed is related to a "V non-passing scheduled jackpot", this process ends without performing the processes of S2704 and S2705.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the V round being executed is related to a "V passing scheduled jackpot" (YES in S2703), it is determined whether or not the count value by the ball counting means is the second predetermined value (c2) (S2704). Here, it is determined whether or not the count value by the ball counting means in the V round (the number of balls that enter the V attacker) is the "second predetermined value (c2) corresponding to the number of balls that specifies the second operation timing" set in S2009. In this embodiment, since the second predetermined value (c2) is "2" (see FIG. 47), if the count value by the ball counting means is "2" (YES in S2704), the process of S2705 is performed, and if it is not "2" (NO in S2704), this process is terminated without performing the process of S2705.

In S2705, similar to S2702 described above, a specific area opening/closing process is performed to open and close the specific area 39 by operating the movable piece 150 (S2705). However, since the specific area opening/closing process in S2705 corresponds to the second operation of the movable piece 150 based on the number of balls entering the V attacker being "2", the operation of the movable piece 150 in this case is performed in a long opening operation pattern (second operation mode) that opens the specific area 39 for 3000 ms (3 seconds) (see FIG. 48). Also, in S2705, a specific area effective period is set in conjunction with the operation of the movable piece 150. As a result, when the specific area 39 is opened by the operation of the movable piece 150 in S2705 and a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the specific area effective period, the detection is determined to be valid. On the other hand, if a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during a period other than the specific area valid period, the detection is determined to be invalid and an abnormal passage through the specific area (specific area error) is determined to have occurred (error determination means).

Here, when the specific area sensor 39a detects a game ball and the V flag is turned ON (when the specific area sensor 39a detects a game ball within the valid period), the game status indicator 46 is set to a predetermined display mode, and the game status indicator 46 notifies the player that the game status after the jackpot game ends will be a high probability state. Specifically, the game status indicator 46 is composed of three LEDs, "a1a2a3". In this embodiment, in the normal state (low probability state), the display mode is "a1□a2□a3□" (for example, □: off, ■: on). Also, when the specific area sensor 39a detects a game ball during the jackpot game and the V flag is turned ON, the display mode is "a1■a2■a3■". When the jackpot game ends and the game status is set to a high probability state, the display mode is "a1□a2□a3□". Furthermore, the timing of the lighting control of the game status indicator 46 is not limited to such timing, and during a jackpot game, the display mode may remain "a1□a2□a3□" even if the game ball passes through a specific area, and when the game transitions to a high probability state after the jackpot game ends, the display mode may change to "a1■a2■a3■", and when the game transitions from the high probability state to a low probability state, the display mode may change to "a1□a2□a3□".

In other words, in the specific area sensor detection process (S207) described below, the V flag is turned ON only when a V passage (passage of the game ball into the specific area 39) is detected during the specific area valid period, and the V flag is not turned ON when a V passage is detected outside the specific area valid period (V invalid period). When the V flag is ON, the probability variable flag is turned ON. In other words, the game state after a jackpot game is set to a high probability state (see the game state setting process (S2124) described below). This prevents the V flag from being turned ON based on a V passage caused by fraudulent conduct, i.e., prevents the game from being fraudulently set to a high probability state.

[Game Status Setting Process]
As shown in Fig. 34, in the game state setting process (S2124), first, it is determined whether the V flag is ON (S2201). The V flag is a flag that is turned ON in the specific area sensor detection process (S207) described later. If it is determined in S2201 that the V flag is ON (YES in S2201), the probability variable flag is turned ON (S2202), the probability variable counter is set (S2203), and the V flag is turned OFF (S2204).

In S2203, a value corresponding to the number of variable games (special symbol hit/miss judgment) that can be performed in the high probability state is set in the probability counter. In this embodiment, the probability counter is set to "10,000" (S2203). Considering the probability of a big win in the high probability state, the business hours of the gaming establishment in one day, the number of variable games that can be performed during the business hours, etc., this value of "10,000" (10,000 times) is essentially the same as guaranteeing the high probability state until the next big win occurs or until the business hours end. Therefore, when the game state is set to a high probability state, it can be said that the high probability state is guaranteed until the next big win occurs (effectively the same). Note that, as in this embodiment, the value of "10,000" may be set in the probability counter to essentially set the high probability state until the next big win, or when the probability flag is turned ON, the high probability state may be set until the next big win occurs without setting the probability counter.

If it is determined in S2201 that the V flag is ON (YES in S2201) and the processes of S2202 to S2204 are performed, or if it is determined in S2201 that the V flag is not ON (OFF) (NO in S2201) YES), then the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2206), the time-saving counter is set (S2207), and this process ends.

In S2207, a value corresponding to the number of variable games (special symbol hit/miss judgment) that can be performed in the time-saving state and high base state (high frequency state) is set in the time-saving counter. The operation period of the time-saving function and the high base generation function (also called the "time-saving period" or "electric support period") is determined by the number of times the special symbol changes (the number of times the variable game is performed). In this embodiment, the number is predetermined according to the type of jackpot, and differs depending on the type of jackpot. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in the case of the 7R 1st jackpot and the 7R 2nd jackpot, it is "50 times", in the case of the 7R 3rd jackpot and the 7R 4th jackpot, it is "75 times", in the case of the 7R 5th jackpot, the 7R 6th jackpot and the 15R 9th jackpot, it is "100 times", and in the case of the 7R 7th jackpot and the 15R 8th jackpot, it is "10,000 times". In response to this, S2207 sets "50", "75", "100" or "10,000" depending on the type of jackpot that has just ended (the current jackpot).

If the probability counter is set to "10,000," the high probability state will continue until the special symbol has been displayed (variable play) 10,000 times (effectively until the next jackpot), but the end time (end period) of the high probability high base state will differ depending on the value set in the time-saving counter.

In other words, if the probability bonus counter is set to "10,000" and the time-saving counter is set to "50", after the jackpot play ends, the high probability high base state will be entered until 50 variable play (variable display of special symbols) are executed, and when the 50th variable play is executed, the high probability high base state will end and the high probability low base state will be entered. After that (from the 51st time onwards), the high probability low base state will continue until a jackpot occurs. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the high probability high base state before the variable play has been executed 50 times, the occurrence of that jackpot will be the trigger for the high probability high base state to end.

In addition, if the probability bonus counter is set to "10,000" and the time-saving counter is set to "75", after the jackpot play ends, the high probability high base state will be entered until variable play (variable display of special symbols) is executed 75 times, and when the 75th variable play ends, the high probability high base state will end and the high probability low base state will be entered. After that (from the 76th time onwards), the high probability low base state will continue until a jackpot occurs. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the high probability high base state before the variable play has been executed 75 times, the occurrence of that jackpot will be the trigger for the high probability high base state to end.

In addition, if the probability bonus counter is set to "10,000" and the time-saving counter is set to "100", after the jackpot play ends, the high probability high base state will be entered until 100 variable play (variable display of special symbols) have been played, and when the 100th variable play is played, the high probability high base state will end and the high probability low base state will be entered. After that (from the 101st play onwards), the high probability low base state will continue until a jackpot occurs. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the high probability high base state before the variable play has been played 100 times, the occurrence of that jackpot will be the trigger for the high probability high base state to end.

On the other hand, if the probability bonus counter is not set, the end time (conclusion) of the low probability high base state will differ depending on the value set in the time-saving counter. In other words, if the probability bonus counter is not set and the time-saving counter is set to "50", after the jackpot game ends, the low probability high base state will be entered until 50 variable games (variable display of special symbols) have been played, and when the 50th variable game is played, the low probability high base state will end and the low probability low base state will be entered. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the low probability high base state before 50 variable games have been played, the occurrence of that jackpot will be the trigger for the end of the low probability high base state.

In addition, if the probability bonus counter is not set and the time-saving counter is set to "75", after the jackpot play ends, the game will enter a low probability high base state until variable play (variable display of special symbols) is executed 75 times, and when the 75th variable play ends, the low probability high base state ends and the game enters a low probability low base state. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the low probability high base state before the variable play has been executed 75 times, the occurrence of the jackpot will be the trigger for the end of the low probability high base state.

In addition, if the probability bonus counter is not set and the time-saving counter is set to "100", after the jackpot play ends, the game will enter a low probability high base state until 100 variable play games (variable display of special symbols) are played, and when the 100th variable play game is played, the low probability high base state ends and the game enters a low probability low base state. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the low probability high base state before 100 variable play games have been played, the occurrence of the jackpot will be the trigger for the end of the low probability high base state.

The time-saving counter and the probability of winning counter count the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes. The values set in the time-saving counter and the probability of winning counter are not limited to those in this embodiment, and can be determined taking into account the gameplay, payout rate, etc.

The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the above game state setting process (S2124) functions as a "game state control means" or a "mode setting means."

[Specific area sensor detection process]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the specific area sensor detection process (S207) following the special chart operation process (S206). As shown in Fig. 35, in the specific area sensor detection process (S207), first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has been detected by the specific area sensor 39a (S2401). As a result, if it is determined that there has been no detection by the specific area sensor 39a (NO in S2401), this process is terminated without performing the processes after S2402. On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been detection by the specific area sensor 39a (YES in S2401), it is determined whether or not the detection is during the specific area valid period (S2402).

If it is determined in S2402 that the specific area is in the valid period (YES in S2402), the V flag is turned ON (S2403), a specific area pass command is set in the output buffer of RAM (S2404), and this process ends. In other words, when the game ball that entered the second large winning port 35 in the V round (fifth round) passes through the specific area 39 during the specific area valid period (when detected by the specific area sensor 39a), this triggers the V flag to be turned ON (S2403) and the specific area pass command is set (S2404).

The processing of S2403 and S2404 is executed in both cases where the game ball passes through the specific area 39 as a result of the movable piece 150 operating in a short opening operation pattern in a V round of a V-passing jackpot or a V-non-passing jackpot, and where the game ball passes through the specific area 39 as a result of the movable piece 150 operating in a long opening operation pattern in a V round of a V-passing jackpot. Therefore, in this embodiment, even if an irregular event occurs in which the ball passes through the V in a V-non-passing jackpot that does not assume V passing, the irregular V passing is processed as a valid V passing.

The specific area passing command set in S2404 is sent to the sub-control board 90 at a predetermined timing by the output process (S201). Based on receiving the specific area passing command, the sub-control board 90 recognizes that a V passing has occurred in the V round (that a V passing has occurred and the V round has ended).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S2402 that the specific area is not in an effective period (is in an invalid period) (NO in S2402), the V flag is not turned ON, and an invalid period passing command is set in the output buffer of RAM (S2405), and this process ends. In other words, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 (detected by the specific area sensor 39a) during a period other than the specific area effective period (invalid period), the passage is an abnormal passage through the specific area (specific area error), and an invalid period passing command indicating this is set. When this invalid period passing command is sent to the sub-control board 90 at a predetermined timing by the output process (S201), the sub-control board 90 uses the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), frame lamp 66, board lamp 5, speaker 67, etc. to notify a predetermined error based on the received invalid period passing command. The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81), which executes the process of S2402 that may trigger the setting of such an invalid period passing command (S2405), functions as an "error determination means."

[Non-specific area sensor detection process]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the non-specific area sensor detection process (S208) following the specific area sensor detection process (S207). As shown in FIG. 36, in the non-specific area sensor detection process (S208), first, it is determined whether or not the game ball has been detected by the non-specific area sensor 49a (S2411). As a result, if it is determined that there has been no detection by the non-specific area sensor 49a (NO in S2401), this process is terminated without performing the processes in S2412 and onward. On the other hand, if it is determined that there has been detection by the non-specific area sensor 49a (YES in S2411), it is determined whether or not the V flag is OFF (S2412), and if it is OFF (YES in S2412), it proceeds to S2413, and if it is not OFF (NO in S2412), this process is terminated without performing the processes in S2413 and onward. It should be noted that if the V flag is not OFF (NO in S2412), that is, if the V flag is ON, then a V pass has occurred in the V round, and therefore the processing from S2413 onwards is not performed.

In S2413, it is determined whether the number of game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 49 is "9" (S2413). As described above, when game balls are detected by the non-specific area sensor 49a, the number of detections is counted as the number of game balls that have passed through the non-specific area by a non-specific area passing counting means (not shown), and in S2413, it is determined whether the number of game balls that have passed through the non-specific area is "9" by referring to the count value. If the number of game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 49 is not "9" (NO in S2413), this process is terminated as it is, and if the number of game balls that have passed through the non-specific area 49 is "9" (YES in S2413), a non-passing specific area command is set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2414), and this process is terminated. In other words, during the V round (fifth round), when the game balls enter the V attacker (second large prize opening 35) and nine (prescribed number) game balls pass through the non-specific area 49 (nine game balls are detected by the non-specific area sensor 49a) without the V flag being turned ON (without passing through the V), this triggers the non-passing through specific area command to be set (S2414).

The specific area non-passage command set in S2414 is sent to the sub-control board 90 at a predetermined timing by the output process (S201). Based on receiving the specific area non-passage command, the sub-control board 90 recognizes that V passing did not occur in the V round (the V round ended without V passing).

[Processing at the start of the ball entry]
As shown in Fig. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the non-specific area sensor detection process (S208) followed by the start ball entry process (S209). As shown in Fig. 37, in the start ball entry process (S209), the number of reserved balls for special pattern 1, the number of reserved balls for special pattern 2, and the number of reserved balls for normal patterns stored in the RAM of the main control board 80 are read out (S2501).

Next, in S2502, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 has increased by "1" (S2502). As a result, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 has increased by "1" (YES in S2502), the process proceeds to S2503. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 in S307 of the starting hole sensor detection process (S204) based on the fact that a game ball has entered the second starting hole 21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls for special chart 2 has not increased (NO in S2502), the process proceeds to S2506 without carrying out the processes of S2503 to S2505.

In S2503, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special symbol 2 related random number acquisition process (S308) in the immediately preceding start hole sensor detection process (S204) and stored in the second special symbol reserved memory unit is read (S2503). Next, in S2504, the acquired random number value related to the read second special symbol is determined (S2504). Specifically, the value of the random number counter for determining whether or not the special symbol is a hit (random number value for determining whether or not the special symbol is a hit) acquired when the ball enters the start hole is determined to be a hit or a miss depending on the current game state (low probability state or high probability state). In addition, if the determination result (preliminary determination result) is a hit, the type of hit is determined. This S2504 process corresponds to a pre-judgment (so-called "reservation pre-read") in which a hit/miss judgment (judgment of whether or not it is a jackpot) for the reserved special chart 2 is made prior to the hit/miss judgment (S1303, S1304) in the hit/miss judgment process (S1202).

In the advance judgment, it is possible to judge whether or not the value matches the jackpot judgment value based on the jackpot judgment table (see FIG. 8(A)), i.e., if the probability is high, the jackpot judgment table for high probability states is used, and if the probability is normal (low probability), the jackpot judgment table for normal states is used.

As another example of a pre-determination mode, a fluctuation pattern information determination table capable of determining fluctuation pattern information may be provided, which includes a fluctuation pattern information determination table for a normal state (low probability state) and a fluctuation pattern information determination table for a high probability state (high probability state), and it is possible to determine the fluctuation pattern information based on the fluctuation pattern information determination table according to the game state and the acquired random number value (such as the value of a random number counter for determining whether or not a special pattern has been hit). From this fluctuation pattern information, it is possible to determine in advance whether or not a jackpot has been hit, the type of jackpot, and whether or not a game presentation with a high probability of hitting a jackpot will be executed.

Next, in S2505, game information including at least the reserved ball count data related to the second special symbol read in S2501 and the information pre-determined in S2504 (pre-determined information) is generated as a special symbol 2 start ball entry command and set in the output buffer of the RAM (S2505). Note that as the special symbol 2 start ball entry command, a part or all of the value of the special symbol 2 acquisition random number read in S2503 may be sent directly to the sub-control board, or the value of the special symbol 2 acquisition random number may not be sent directly, and game information acquired based on the value of the special symbol 2 acquisition random number (for example, the aforementioned variation pattern information, etc.) may be sent.

The sub-controller 90 (sub-control board) is capable of identifying (distinguishing) whether the information is related to a jackpot, how many balls of the second special pattern are reserved, what the type of jackpot is, etc. by analyzing the special pattern 2 start entry command sent by the main controller 80. In addition, in this embodiment, by analyzing the special pattern 2 start entry command, it is possible to determine whether the acquired special pattern 2 acquisition random number will be a jackpot when judged in a high probability state, and whether it will be a jackpot when judged in a low probability state. This allows the sub-controller 90 to store the received special pattern 2 start entry command as a reserve (performance reserve information), pre-judge the performance reserve information at a specific timing, and determine whether performance reserve information that will be judged as a jackpot when judged in a low probability state is stored.

In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, the random number value for determining whether or not a special pattern has been hit is not sent directly to the sub-control unit among the obtained random number values read in S2503. Instead, command data including information indicating the value of the random number counter for determining the type of jackpot (random number value for determining the type of jackpot) and the value of the fluctuation pattern random number counter (fluctuation pattern random number value), as well as information indicating the result of the preliminary judgment, can be generated and set as a special pattern 2 start entry command.

Next, in S2506, similar to the process related to Special Chart 2 described above, it is determined whether the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 has increased by "1" (S2506). As a result, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 has increased by "1" (YES in S2506), the process proceeds to S2507. This corresponds to the case where "1" is added to the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 in S311 of the start hole sensor detection process (S204) based on the fact that a game ball has entered the first start hole. On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of reserved balls for Special Chart 1 has not increased (NO in S2506), this process ends without carrying out the processes from S2507 onwards.

In S2507, it is determined whether the time-saving flag is ON (S2507), and if it is determined that the time-saving flag is ON, i.e., that the base state is high (YES in S2507), this process ends without performing the processes in S2508 and onwards. On the other hand, if it is determined that the time-saving flag is OFF, i.e., that the base state is low (NO in S2507), the process proceeds to the pre-determination processes in S2508 and onwards.

Here, when the time-saving flag is ON, that is, when the current game state is a high base state, the opening extension function that increases the frequency of balls entering the second starting hole 21 is activated, and the state is such that the hit/miss judgment of the special pattern 2 (the hit/miss judgment of the second special pattern) is easily performed. In addition, in this embodiment, the consumption of the special pattern 2 reservation (the variable display of the second special pattern) is executed in priority to the consumption of the special pattern 1 reservation (the variable display of the first special pattern) (so-called "special pattern 2 priority variable machine"). In such a configuration, for example, when a pre-judgment of the special pattern 1 is performed in a high base state, the result is notified to the player by a performance such as a notice, and the result of the pre-judgment is clearly indicated as a jackpot, the player can take advantage of the priority of the special pattern 2 reservation consumption to intentionally eliminate the special pattern 2 reservation at any timing (set it to "0") and intentionally generate a jackpot related to the special pattern 1 for which the result of the pre-judgment was indicated. It is not desirable from the viewpoint of fairness of the game for the player to be able to adjust the timing of such a jackpot occurrence. For this reason, if the current game state is not a low base state but a high base state (YES in S2507), the process related to the pre-determination of special chart 1 from S2508 onwards is not performed and this process is terminated.

The processing of S2508 to S2510 is the same as the processing of S316 to S318 described above for special symbol 1. That is, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) acquired in the special symbol 1 related random number acquisition processing (S312) in the start port sensor detection processing (S204) and stored in the first special symbol reserved memory unit is read (S2508), a preliminary judgment is made on the read acquired random number value (S2509), and game information including at least the reserved ball number data related to the first special symbol read in S2501 and the information pre-judged in S2509 (pre-judgment information) is generated as a special symbol 1 start ball entry command and set in the output buffer of RAM (S2510). Note that the preliminary judgment (reserved advance reading) of S2509 is made prior to the hit/miss judgment (S1603, S1604) in the special symbol 1 hit/miss judgment processing (S1207).

[Power off monitoring process]
As shown in FIG. 11, the game control microcomputer 81 performs the power off monitoring process (S210) following the start ball entry process (S209). As shown in FIG. 38, in the power off monitoring process (S210), first, it is determined whether or not a power off signal has been input (S2601), and if there is no input (NO in S2601), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is a power off signal input (YES in S2601), data regarding the current state of the gaming machine (whether or not it is in a high probability state, whether or not it is in a jackpot game, how many balls are reserved, how many times the probability change and time reduction are left, etc.) is stored (backed up) in the RAM (S2602), the power off flag is turned ON (S2603), and loop processing is performed without returning to the interrupt process (S105). In S2602, in addition to data regarding the current state of the gaming machine, any data previously determined as a target for backup can be stored (backed up). In this embodiment, as described above, since the lighting pattern data that determines the display mode of the winning indicator 48 is the subject of backup, the lighting pattern data relating to that display mode is also stored in S2602.

[Sub-control main processing]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 (control processing by the sub-control unit 90) will be described with reference to Figs. 39 to 45. The counters, flags, status, buffers, etc., which appear in the operation description of the performance control microcomputer 91, are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit). When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on (when the power supply board 109 starts supplying power), the performance control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the program of the sub-control main processing shown in Fig. 39 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main processing, first, a CPU initialization process is performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack setting, constant setting, CPU setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), etc. are set, and various flags, statuses, and counters are reset.

Next, in S4002, it is determined whether the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are normal (S4002). When the power of this pachinko game machine 1 is turned on, the power-off signal is output from the power supply board 109 to the sub-control board 90. Then, if the result of the determination in S4002 is NO (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized (S4003) and the process proceeds to S4004. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in S4002 is YES (YES in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is not initialized and the process proceeds to S4004. In other words, if the power-off signal is not ON or if the power-off signal is ON but the contents of the RAM are not normal (NO in S4002), the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is initialized, but if the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM are maintained normal (YES in S4002), the RAM is not initialized. Initializing the RAM resets the various flags, status, and counter values. Note that steps S4001 to S4003 are executed only once after power is turned on (when power is turned on), and will not be executed thereafter. For this reason, the processing of steps S4001 to S4003 is also called "power-on processing."

Here, when the performance control microcomputer 91 executes the power-on processing (S4001 to S4003), it executes a notification (power-on notification) that the power-on processing is being executed until the power-on processing is completed (second notification means). Specifically, a message indicating that the power-on processing is being executed is displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and an alarm sound indicating the same is output from the speaker 67 (second notification means). As described above, when the power is turned on, at least the CPU initialization processing (S4001) is executed, and if the judgment of S4002 is a negative judgment (NO in S4002), the RAM initialization (S4003) is also executed, but if the CPU initialization processing (S4001) is executed but the RAM initialization (S4003) is not executed, the message "Power recovery in progress" is displayed, and if both the CPU initialization processing (S4001) and the RAM initialization (S4003) are executed, the message "RAM clearing in progress" is displayed. The display of these messages is performed by sending a command (power-on command) from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100, and processing by the CPU (image control microcomputer 101) of the image control board 100 that receives the command. Whether the message "Power recovery in progress" or "RAM clearing in progress" is displayed is determined by the content (type) of the command sent from the sub-control board 90 to the image control board 100. In this embodiment, there is only one type of notification sound for the power-on process, which is output from the speaker 67 via the sound control board 106.

In S4004, interrupts are prohibited. Next, a random number seed update process is executed (S4005). In the random number seed update process (S4005), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated. The updated random number counter values are sequentially stored in a predetermined update value storage area (not shown) of the RAM of the sub-control board 90. The random numbers for determining effects include a random number for determining a preview effect that determines a preview effect, and a random number for determining a performance pattern that determines a performance pattern. The method of updating the random numbers can be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above. When updating, the random number value may be added by 2 instead of by 1. The random number for determining effects is obtained at a predetermined timing. This timing can be, for example, when a control signal (starting ball entry command) notifying that a starting ball has been entered is sent from the main control board 80, when a control signal (starting ball entry command) notifying the start of a change is sent from the main control board 80, or when a change performance pattern described later is determined. The acquired random numbers for determining effects are stored in a specified random number counter value storage area (not shown) in the RAM of the sub-control board 90.

When the random number seed update process (S4005) is completed, the command transmission process is executed (S4006). In the command transmission process, various commands (control signals) stored in the output buffer (also called the "sub output buffer") of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. Each control board (each control unit) that receives the command executes various effects (effect pattern game effects, special game effects related to jackpot games, etc.) using various effect devices (image display device 7, speaker 67, board lamp 5, frame lamp 66, movable decorative member 14, etc.) according to the received command.

Next, interrupts are permitted in S4007, and thereafter, S4004 to S4007 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute receive interrupt processing (S4008), 2 ms timer interrupt processing (S4009), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4010). By executing these control processes, it becomes possible to control the display of performance patterns and the like executed on the display screen 7a (performance pattern display area 7b) of the image display device 7, control the lighting of various lamps, control the operation of movable decorative members, control the sound output from the speaker, etc.

[Receive interrupt processing]
As shown in FIG. 40, in the reception interrupt process (S4008), first, it is determined whether or not the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON, that is, whether or not the strobe signal sent from the main control board 80 has been input to the external INT input section of the performance control microcomputer 91 (S4101). As a result, if it is determined that the strobe signal is not ON (NO in S4101), this process is terminated without performing the process of S4102. On the other hand, if it is determined that the strobe signal is ON (YES in S4101), various commands transmitted from the main control board 80 are stored in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (S4102), and this process is terminated. This reception interrupt process (S4008) is a process that is executed in priority to other interrupt processes (S4009, S4010).

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 41, in the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009), first, an input process is performed (S4201) to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on the detection signal from the performance button detection switches 63c and 63d. This switch data indicates whether or not the first performance button 63a and the second performance button 63b are operated (ON, OFF), and is used to execute the operation-responsive performance based on the operation of the performance button 63. Next, a lamp data output process (S4202) is performed to output lamp data for illuminating lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the board lamp 5, and a drive data output process (S4203) is performed to output drive data for driving the movable performance member 14 (electrical drive source). The lamp data and drive data are created in the 10 ms timer interrupt process described later. Then, a watchdog timer process is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 42, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) first performs a received command analysis process (S4302) described later. Next, a switch state acquisition process is performed to store the switch data created in the 2 ms timer interrupt process in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4303), and a switch process is performed to set the display contents of the display screen 7a based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process (S4304). After that, other processes such as creating lamp data (data for controlling the lighting of the panel lamp 5 and the frame lamp 66) and updating the random number for determining the performance are executed (S4305).

[Received command analysis process]
As shown in FIG. 43, the received command analysis process (S4302) first determines whether or not a start ball entry command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4395). If it is determined that the start ball entry command has not been received (NO in S4395), the process proceeds to S4401. If it is determined that the start ball entry command has been received (YES in S4395), the performance hold information storage process (S4400) is performed and the process proceeds to S4401.

The effect pending information storage process (S4400) stores various information (game information such as pre-judgment results, random number values for determining the type of big win, and random number values for the change pattern) contained in the start ball entry command (special ball entry command for special ball 1 or special ball entry command for special ball 2) received in S4395 in a predetermined effect pending information storage area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 in shift memory format according to the type of special symbol (first special symbol, second special symbol) and the number of special balls reserved at the time of transmission and reception of the start ball entry command (when the command is generated). For example, if the received start ball entry command is a special ball entry command for special ball 1 corresponding to the reserved ball number "4" of special ball 1, information such as the pre-judgment results and the type of win contained in the special ball entry command is stored as special ball 1 effect pending information in the area corresponding to the reserved number 4 in the special ball entry command for special ball 1. The effect pending information stored in this way is used to execute various effects such as variable effects, advance notice effects, and effect modes, which will be described later. The contents (performance pending information) stored in the performance pending information storage area of the sub-control board 90 are the same as the contents (acquired information) stored in the special chart pending storage area (first special chart pending storage area, second special chart pending storage area) of the main control board (main control unit) 80. For this reason, the performance pending information storage area of the sub-control board 90 can also be called an "acquired information storage means."

In S4401, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4401). As a result, if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has been received (YES in S4401), the fluctuation performance start process (S4402) described below is performed and processing proceeds to S4406, and if it is determined that a fluctuation start command has not been received (NO in S4401), the fluctuation performance start process (S4402) is not performed and processing proceeds to S4406.

In S4406, it is determined whether or not a fluctuation stop command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4406). As a result, if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has been received (YES in S4406), the fluctuation performance end process (S4407) described below is performed and processing proceeds to S4408; if it is determined that a fluctuation stop command has not been received (NO in S4406), the fluctuation performance end process (S4407) is not performed and processing proceeds to S4408.

In S4408, it is determined whether an opening command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4408). As a result, if it is determined that an opening command has been received (YES in S4408), a special game effect selection process (S4409) is performed to select the effect pattern (effect mode) of the special game effect to be executed during special play (jackpot play), and the process proceeds to S4410. On the other hand, if it is determined that an opening command has not been received (NO in S4408), the special game effect selection process (S4409) is not performed and the process proceeds to S4410.

The special game effects include at least an opening effect that is executed during the opening period before the opening of the large prize opening (before the start of the first round) when the special game starts, and a round effect (large prize game effect) that is executed in accordance with the progress of the round game (game in which the ball enters the large prize opening) during the special game (large prize game).

In this embodiment, an opening command corresponding to the type of jackpot is sent from the main control board 80, and the length of the opening period (opening time), opening effect, round effect, etc. corresponding to the type of jackpot that is being started are specified by the opening command. Then, in the special game effect selection process (S4409), a special game start command that can specify the effect pattern of the selected special game effect (opening effect, round effect, etc.) and information based on the received opening command (type of opening command, opening time, jackpot type related to the jackpot game at the start timing, etc.) is set in the sub-output buffer. When this set special game start command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes the corresponding special game effect on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 according to the progress of the jackpot game.

Specifically, for example, if the type of the jackpot that is to start this time is a 7R jackpot (any of the 7R 1st to 7th jackpots), regardless of whether the jackpot is a "V-passing jackpot" or a "V-non-passing jackpot", the same (common) opening performance corresponding to the start of the 7R jackpot game is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In this case, the opening performance is a performance that does not indicate whether the jackpot that is to start this time is a "V-passing jackpot" or a "V-non-passing jackpot", and is performed by displaying text images such as "jackpot" or "battle entry bonus" on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Then, following the opening performance, a round performance corresponding to the 7R jackpot is developed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 in accordance with the progress of the round (based on the reception of a round start command in S4418 described later). In addition, in the high base state (high probability high base state or low probability high base state) after the 7R jackpot game ends, a "battle mode" is played out depicting a confrontation between an ally character (also simply called an "ally character") and an enemy character (also simply called an "enemy character"). The battle mode will be described later.

In addition, if the type of jackpot that is to be started this time is the 15R 8th jackpot, an opening performance corresponding to the start of the jackpot game related to the "V-passing jackpot", that is, the 15R jackpot game that is premised on the occurrence of a high probability state, is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In this case, the opening performance is a performance that gives the impression of the start of the jackpot game that is premised on the transition to a high probability high base state along with the acquisition of a large number of prize balls, and is performed, for example, by displaying text images such as "super jackpot", "V jackpot", and "big bonus" on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Then, following the opening performance, a round performance corresponding to the 15RV-passing jackpot is developed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 as the round progresses (based on the reception of the round start command in S4418 described later).

In addition, if the type of jackpot that is to be started this time is a 15R 9th jackpot, an opening performance corresponding to the start of a jackpot game related to a "V non-passing scheduled jackpot", that is, a 15R jackpot game that is premised on not generating a high probability state, is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In this case, the opening performance is a performance that gives the impression of the start of a jackpot game that is premised on the acquisition of a large number of prize balls and the transition to a time-saving state (low probability high base state), and for example, text images such as "jackpot" and "normal bonus" are displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Then, following the opening performance, a round performance corresponding to a 15RV non-passing scheduled jackpot is developed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 as the round progresses (based on the reception of a round start command in S4418 described later).

Next, in S4410, it is determined whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4410). As a result, if it is determined that an ending command has been received (YES in S4410), an ending effect selection process (S4411) is performed to select the pattern of the effect at the end of special play (ending effect) and the effect mode after the end of special play, and the like, and the process proceeds to S4412 shown in FIG. 44. On the other hand, if it is determined that an ending command has not been received (NO in S4410), the process proceeds to S4412 without performing the ending effect selection process (S4411).

In this embodiment, an ending command according to the type of jackpot related to the current jackpot and whether or not V has passed is sent from the main control board 80, and the length of the ending period (ending time) is specified by the ending command. Then, in the ending performance selection process (S4411), a special game end command that can specify the performance pattern of the selected ending performance and information based on the received ending command (type of ending command, ending time, type of jackpot related to the ended jackpot game, performance mode after the jackpot game, etc.) is set in the sub output buffer. When this set special game end command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes the ending performance related to the end of the jackpot game on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Specifically, for example, if the jackpot type of the completed jackpot game is a 7R jackpot (any of 7R 1st to 7th jackpots), regardless of whether the jackpot is a "V-passing jackpot" or a "V-non-passing jackpot" and whether the V has passed or not, the same (common) ending presentation corresponding to the end of the 7R jackpot game is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In this case, the ending presentation is a presentation that gives the impression of the start of battle mode, and is performed, for example, by displaying a text image such as "Entering battle mode" on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

In addition, if the jackpot type of the jackpot game that has ended is a 15R 8th jackpot (a jackpot scheduled to pass V) and a V passes during that jackpot game, an ending effect indicating a transition to a high probability game state (high probability, high base state) is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 as an ending effect corresponding to the end of the 15R jackpot game. In this case, the ending effect is an effect that emphasizes the start of the high probability game state (high probability, high base state), and is performed, for example, by displaying text images such as "Probability fluctuation start" or "Entering heaven mode" on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

In addition, if the jackpot type of the jackpot game that has ended is a 15R 9th jackpot (a jackpot not scheduled to pass through the V) and the V has not passed during that jackpot game, an ending effect indicating a transition to a time-saving game state (low probability high base state) is performed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 as an ending effect corresponding to the end of the 15R jackpot game. In this case, the ending effect is an effect that emphasizes the start of the time-saving game state (low probability high base state), and is performed, for example, by displaying text images such as "Time-saving start" or "Enter chance mode" on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

Next, in S4412, it is determined whether or not a specific area passing command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4412). As a result, if it is determined that a specific area passing command has not been received (NO in S4412), the process proceeds to S4418 without carrying out the processes of S4413 and S4414, and if it is determined that a specific area passing command has been received (YES in S4412), it is determined whether or not the specific area passing command is based on a V passing in a 15R jackpot (S4413).

If the received specific area passing command is based on a V passing in a 15R jackpot (YES in S4413), the V passing designation command is set in the sub output buffer (S4414). On the other hand, if the received specific area passing command is not based on a V passing in a 15R jackpot (NO in S4413), that is, if it is based on a V passing in a 7R jackpot, the process moves to S4418 without processing S4414.

When the V-passing designation command set in S4414 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads image data for notifying the occurrence of V-passing from the ROM of the image control board 100, and executes a V-passing notification effect based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Examples of V-passing notification effects include displaying a letter image of "V" on the display screen 7a, and outputting a sound effect indicating V-passing. The V-passing notification effect is executed when V-passing occurs in a 15R jackpot, but is not executed when V-passing occurs in a 7R jackpot. This is because in the case of a 7R jackpot, the player is not notified (concealed) of whether the jackpot is a "V-passing scheduled jackpot" or a "V-non-passing scheduled jackpot." In addition, although the possibility is extremely low, if the V passes during the 9th jackpot of the 15th race, which is a jackpot that is not scheduled to pass through the V, the V pass designation command will be set (S4414) and the V pass notification effect will be executed.

Next, in S4418, it is determined whether or not a round start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4418). As a result, if it is determined that a round start command has not been received (NO in S4418), the process proceeds to S4420 without carrying out the processing of S4419. On the other hand, if it is determined that a round start command has been received (YES in S4418), a round designation command corresponding to the received round start command is set in the sub output buffer (S4419), and the process proceeds to S4420.

The round start command sent from the main control board 80 contains information that can identify which round (start round) is to start, and the CPU of the sub-control board 90 (microcomputer 91 for controlling presentation) identifies the round number of the start round based on the received round start command, and sets a round designation command indicating that round number in the sub-output buffer. When the round designation command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes a round designation on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 that corresponds to the round number identified based on the round designation command and is in line with the jackpot game being played.

Finally, in S4420, other processing related to performance control is performed (S4420), and this process ends. Other processing performed in S4420 includes processing based on received commands other than the commands mentioned above (for example, a normal symbol change start command, a normal symbol change stop command, an invalid period pass command, a specific area non-pass command, etc.).

[Variable performance start processing]
Next, the variable performance start process (S4402) executed based on the reception of the variable performance start command from the main control board 80 in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in FIG. 45, in the variable performance start process (S4402), first, a random number process for determining performance is performed to acquire various random numbers for determining performance, such as a random number for determining a variable performance, a random number for determining a notice performance, a random number for determining a performance pattern, and a random number for determining a specific performance (S4501). In this embodiment, the process of S4501 is performed at the timing when the variable performance start command is received from the main control unit 80, and a predetermined value (acquired information) is acquired from each random number. Based on the acquired value, the variable performance to be executed, the notice performance, the performance pattern to be stopped, etc. are determined. In addition, the variable performance means a performance executed in accordance with the variable display (variable play) from the start of the variable display of the special pattern to the end (stop display), and includes the performance pattern play performance (variable display and stop display of the performance pattern 8).

Next, in S4502, the fluctuation start command received in S4401 is analyzed (S4502). The fluctuation start command includes a fluctuation pattern designation command (information for designating a fluctuation pattern) that designates the fluctuation pattern selected in the fluctuation pattern selection process for the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The fluctuation pattern designation command includes, for example, the fluctuation pattern information (P1 to P22) shown in FIG. 9, game state information that designates the current game state, judgment result information that designates the judgment result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment, and pattern information that designates the jackpot type (jackpot pattern) (see FIG. 8). In addition, there are fluctuation pattern designation commands that correspond to the first special symbol and those that correspond to the second special symbol, and by analyzing the fluctuation pattern designation command, it is possible to determine whether the performance pattern game performance (variation performance) that is to be started this time is related to the special symbol 1 or the special symbol 2. In addition, the fluctuation pattern information, game status information, pattern information, etc. contained in the fluctuation pattern specification command can also be used in other processes other than the fluctuation performance start process that will be executed subsequently.

Next, in S4503, the current mode status is referenced (S4503). The mode status is used to determine the presentation mode to be executed. The mode status is a value between "1" and "5", and each value is assigned to presentation modes A to E. Specifically, mode status "1" corresponds to presentation mode A, mode status "2" corresponds to presentation mode B, mode status "3" corresponds to presentation mode C, mode status "4" corresponds to presentation mode D, and mode status "5" corresponds to presentation mode E. By referencing the current mode status, it is possible to identify the current presentation mode.

Here, the presentation mode refers to the presentation environment (presentation format) when variable play is executed, and when the presentation mode is different, some or all of the presentation aspects of various presentations such as the background of the display screen 7a and variable presentations, reach presentations, and preview presentations will be different. Specifically, the images displayed on the image display device 7 will be different, such as different characters, items, and background images that appear, and the presentation pattern game presentation can also be executed in a manner corresponding to the presentation mode. Furthermore, when multiple game presentations (reach presentations, preview presentations, etc.) are provided, it may be possible to execute different game presentations depending on the presentation mode.

Presentation mode A (mode status "1") is a presentation mode that is set when the game state is controlled to a low-probability, low-base state. In this embodiment, presentation mode A is the normal mode. When presentation mode A is set, the player can recognize through that presentation mode that the current game state is a low-probability, low-base state.

Presentation mode B (mode status "2") is a presentation mode that is set after the end of a 7R jackpot game. In this embodiment, presentation mode B is the battle mode. When presentation mode B (battle mode) is set, the game state is a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state, but at this time, the player cannot recognize through that presentation mode whether the current game state is a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state. Presentation mode B (battle mode) can be said to be a common (similar) presentation mode for both the low probability high base state and the high probability high base state.

Presentation mode C (mode status "3") is a presentation mode that is set when a predetermined number of variable plays (e.g., 50, 75, or 100) are played in presentation mode B (battle mode) without a jackpot occurring, and the game state transitions to a high-probability, low-base state. In this embodiment, presentation mode C is revenge mode. When presentation mode C (revenge mode) is set, the player can recognize through the presentation mode that the current game state is a high-probability, low-base state. Note that, when a predetermined number of variable plays are played in presentation mode B (battle mode) without a jackpot occurring, and the game state transitions to a low-probability, low-base state, the presentation mode transitions from B (mode status "2") to A (mode status "1").

Presentation mode D (mode status "4") is a presentation mode that is set when the game state remains in a high probability high base state even after a predetermined number of (e.g., 100) variable play sessions have been played in presentation mode B (battle mode) without a jackpot occurring. It is also a presentation mode that is set when the game state is controlled to a high probability high base state after a jackpot play session related to the 8th jackpot in 15R (a jackpot scheduled to pass through 15RV). In this embodiment, presentation mode D is heaven mode. When presentation mode D is set, the player can recognize through that presentation mode that the current game state is a high probability high base state (high probability variable game state).

Presentation mode E (mode status "5") is a presentation mode that is set when the game state is controlled to a low probability high base state after a jackpot game involving the 15R 9th jackpot (a jackpot not scheduled to pass through the 15RV). In this embodiment, presentation mode E is set as a chance mode. When presentation mode E is set, the player can recognize through that presentation mode that the current game state is a low probability high base state (time-saving game state).

Although the possibility is extremely low, if a V passage does not occur during the jackpot game related to the 8th jackpot in the 15th round and the game state after the jackpot game is controlled to a low probability high base state, presentation mode E will be set. Also, although the possibility is extremely low, if a V passage occurs during the 9th jackpot game related to the 15th round and the game state after the jackpot game is controlled to a high probability high base state, presentation mode D will be set.

Next, in S4504, a variable performance pattern determination table (not shown) is set to determine the performance pattern (also called the "variable performance pattern") of the variable performance performed using the image display device 7, the panel lamp 5, the movable decorative member 14, etc. (S4504). Specifically, the variable performance pattern determination table to be used is set based on the mode status (current performance mode) referred to in S4503 and the variable performance pattern designation command received from the main control unit 80. For example, when the variable performance pattern information specified by the received variable performance pattern designation command is "P1 (variable pattern P1)" (see FIG. 9), the variable performance pattern determination table at the time of a big win corresponding to the current performance mode is set as the variable performance pattern determination table. In this embodiment, since a plurality of variable performance pattern determination tables corresponding to the performance mode (mode status) are pre-stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, in S4504, a table corresponding to the mode status (current performance mode) referred to in S4503 is selected from those variable performance pattern determination tables and set. The variable presentation pattern determination table is primarily used to determine the execution mode of the presentation pattern game presentation (such as the variation mode of the presentation pattern), and multiple variable presentation pattern determination tables are pre-stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90. In S4504, one of the multiple variable presentation pattern determination tables is set.

Next, in S4505, a variable performance pattern that matches the specified variable performance pattern is selected and set based on the variable performance determination random number obtained in S4501 and the variable performance pattern determination table set in S4504 (S4505). As the variable performance pattern, the variable performance mode (execution mode of the performance pattern game performance) of the performance pattern 8 displayed in the performance pattern display area 7b is mainly set. This determines whether a reach performance is executed in the performance pattern game performance (variable performance) (reach variable performance), a character performance using a specific character is executed (character variable performance), or no reach performance or character performance is executed (normal variable performance). In addition to the variable performance mode of the performance pattern 8, the variable performance pattern also includes the execution mode of the display performance, sound performance, light performance, movable performance, etc. that are executed in conjunction with the variable display of the performance pattern 8, and whether or not these performances are executed is also determined.

Note that the reach effect refers to, for example, when the display mode of the effect patterns 8 when the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment indicates a jackpot, in which the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are all the same (double number) (jackpot mode, specific mode), two of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (e.g., the first and second stop patterns) are displayed (temporarily) as patterns that constitute a jackpot mode (also called "reach patterns" or "reach mode"), and the remaining one (e.g., the third stop pattern) continues to be displayed in a variable manner (also called "reach state"), and the effect indicates whether the remaining one effect pattern will be displayed as a pattern that completes the jackpot mode. This reach effect makes it possible to effectively stimulate the expectations of players aiming for a jackpot.

In addition, in S4505, the performance pattern 8 (also called the "stop performance pattern") to be displayed is determined and set based on the performance pattern determination random number obtained in S4501 and the stop pattern determination table (not shown). There are two types of stop display: temporary stop display (temporary stop) and fixed stop display (fixed stop). A temporary stop means that the scrolling display (changing display) of the performance pattern is stopped (paused) once, and the performance pattern is displayed in a state where it moves slightly so that its numbers, characters, etc. can be recognized at a predetermined stop position on the display screen (for example, the performance pattern display area 7b). The state where it moves slightly is also called "swaying fluctuation". On the other hand, a fixed stop means that the scrolling display (changing display) of the performance pattern is ended, and the performance pattern is displayed completely stopped at a predetermined stop position on the display screen (for example, the performance pattern display area 7b) in a state where its numbers, characters, etc. can be recognized. When the performance pattern is stopped after being displayed in a variable manner, the display result of the variable display (the result of the variable performance) is displayed definitively (determined display) (derived display). Therefore, the performance pattern can be temporarily stopped once or multiple times until it is stopped in a definitive manner.

The stop effect patterns determined (selected) in S4505 are the provisionally stopped pattern (also called the provisionally stopped pattern) and the definitively stopped pattern (also called the definitively stopped pattern). Specifically, the effect pattern 8 that is displayed as stopped (definitively stopped) as a result of the variable effect, i.e., the definitively stopped pattern, is a miss in the special pattern hit/miss judgment, and in the case of a miss with reach, one of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, 8R such as "787" is a different variety pattern from the other effect patterns (a miss with reach), and in the case of a miss without reach, at least one of the three effect patterns 8L, 8C, 8R such as "635" is a different variety pattern from the other effect patterns (a complete miss). On the other hand, if the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a hit, and it is either the 7R 1st to 7th hits or the 15R 9th hit, it will be a repeat number other than "777", and in the case of the 15R 8th hit, it will be a repeat number of "777". As a result, for a 7R hit, it is impossible to determine whether the hit is a V-passing hit or a V-non-passing hit through the display state of the performance pattern 8. Also, for the 15R 8th hit and the 15R 9th hit, it is possible to determine whether the hit is a V-passing hit or a V-non-passing hit through the display state of the performance pattern 8.

In addition, the performance pattern 8 that is temporarily stopped in the middle of the variable display before reaching the final stop, i.e., the temporary stop pattern, is basically a result other than the aforementioned doublet (jackpot mode) (reach miss, complete miss, etc.). However, for example, in the case of a variable performance pattern that executes a so-called "redraw" in which the performance pattern 8 is stopped with a doublet and then displayed again, the temporary stop pattern is a doublet (jackpot mode). In this case, the temporary stop pattern is a result corresponding to a relatively low-advantage jackpot (for example, a 15RV non-passing jackpot that is less advantageous than a 15RV passing jackpot). In addition, the final stop pattern after the redraw can again be a result corresponding to a relatively low-advantage jackpot, or a result corresponding to a relatively high-advantage jackpot. Furthermore, the performance pattern 8 is temporarily stopped just before (at the last moment) the variable display ends and the fixed stop occurs, so the performance pattern 8 that temporarily stops just before the fixed stop is also a temporary stop pattern, but in this case the temporary stop pattern is the same as the fixed stop pattern. Note that the stop display mode of the performance pattern 8 described above is merely an example, and it is possible to set what is to be stopped as the stop performance pattern as appropriate.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the following are set as the variation modes (variable presentation patterns) of the presentation pattern 8: Reach A, Reach B, Reach C, Super Reach (also called "SP Reach") A, Super Reach B, Super Reach C, character presentation, etc. In S4505, it is determined which of these presentations will be performed, or whether none of these presentations will be performed (this is also called "normal variation"), based on the variation presentation pattern determination table.

For example, when a reach variable performance is executed, one of the reach performances is set based on the variable pattern designation command and the variable performance pattern determination table. Here, when a super reach performance (any of SP reaches A to C) is executed, it is set so that the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when a normal reach performance (any of reaches A to C) is executed. In other words, it can be said that the super reach performance is a game performance with a higher possibility of a jackpot (jackpot expectation) than the normal reach performance.

In this embodiment, when the sub-control board 90 receives a fluctuation pattern designation command from the main control board 80 that designates a fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 30,000 ms or more (see FIG. 9), a reach effect (reach fluctuation effect) can be set (executed) based on the command. When the fluctuation time is 30,000 ms, a normal reach effect is set (executed) as the reach effect (normal reach fluctuation effect), and when the fluctuation time is 45,000 ms or more, an SP reach effect is set (executed) as the reach effect (SP reach fluctuation effect). Note that in this embodiment, the types of reach effects include three types of normal reaches, Reach A to C, and three types of super reaches, SP Reach A to C, but the types (number) of reach effects are not limited to this, and more reach effects may be provided.

Here, the change display of the performance pattern 8 is basically performed as follows. That is, after the three performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R start to change, the change speed of all the patterns becomes high and approximately constant, and then, at the timing when a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) has passed, the change speed of the first stop pattern (left performance pattern 8L in this example) decreases and the first stop pattern stops (temporarily stops). Next, the change speed of the second stop pattern (right performance pattern 8R in this example) decreases and the second stop pattern stops (temporarily stops), and finally, the change speed of the third stop pattern (center performance pattern 8C in this example) decreases and the third stop pattern stops (temporarily stops). After this, the three performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R are fixed and stopped, and the display result of the change display is derived and displayed, and one change display ends. Based on such a flow from the start to the end of the change display, normal changes and reach performances are performed.

For example, when the time-saving function for the special pattern according to the number of reserved balls or the game state is not activated (when the time-saving function is not activated), when the three performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R start to change, the left performance pattern 8L (first stop pattern) stops (temporarily stops) at a timing when a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the change, followed by the right performance pattern 8R (second stop pattern). At this time, if the left and right performance patterns 8L and 8R stop (temporarily stops) with the same number pattern (reach mode), a reach is established, and then the reach performance develops. On the other hand, if the reach is not established (i.e., if it is a normal change), the right performance pattern 8R (second stop pattern) stops (temporarily stops), followed by the center performance pattern 8C (third stop pattern). In this embodiment, in normal fluctuation, the time it takes from the start of the fluctuation of the performance pattern 8 until the third stop pattern (in this example, the middle performance pattern 8C) stops (temporarily stops) is about 11 seconds. However, in normal fluctuation when the special pattern fluctuation time reduction function is activated, the time it takes from the start of the fluctuation display until the left performance pattern 8L (first stop pattern) stops (temporarily stops) is shorter than usual (when the fluctuation time reduction function is not activated), and accordingly, the time it takes for the right performance pattern 8R (second stop pattern) and the middle performance pattern 8C (third stop pattern) to stop (temporarily stop) is also shorter.

Depending on the change presentation pattern set in S4505 or the preview presentation pattern set in S4506 described below, the order and timing of the display of the stopped presentation patterns may differ from the above-mentioned manner, for example, the three presentation patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R may stop (temporarily stop) all at the same time after the start of the display of the changing presentation pattern 8, or all the patterns may continue to change even after a predetermined time (e.g. 9 seconds) has elapsed until the first stopped presentation pattern stops.

Next, in S4506, processing related to the setting of the preview performance (preview performance setting processing) is performed (S4506). The preview performance is a performance that suggests the currently executed variable display or the stored reserved (variable display to be executed later), for example, a performance that suggests the possibility that the display result of the currently executed variable display may be a big hit, or a performance that suggests the possibility that the display result of the variable display to be executed later may be a big hit. The preview performance is also called a "suggested performance". In this embodiment, various preview performances can be executed, such as a preview performance based on the performance reserved information (pre-determination result) stored in S4400 (also called "reserved pre-reading preview") and a preview performance related to the current (this) variable display (also called "relevant variation") (also called "relevant variation preview"), so in S4506, it is determined whether or not to execute each preview performance (execution yes/no), and the execution pattern (preview performance pattern) of the preview performance to be executed is set. Specifically, based on the random number for determining the preview performance obtained in S4501 and a preview performance determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the sub-control board 90, it is determined whether or not to execute the preview performance and the preview performance pattern, and the preview performance pattern is set based on this determination result. The preview performance (suggestion performance) is performed, for example, by displaying an image suggesting the expected probability of a jackpot (also called a "preview image" or "suggestion image") on the display screen 7a (also called a "preview display" or "suggestion display"). Note that the preview performance can be performed by such display performance (preview display, suggestion display), as well as sound performance, light performance, and moving performance, and can also be performed by combining each of these performances.

The preview performance pattern set in S4506, i.e., the type (preview type) and mode of the preview performance to be executed, the presence or absence of a preview performance, etc., will differ depending on the contents of the performance hold information stored in S4400 (the contents of the performance hold information storage area), the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment specified by the analysis result of the fluctuation start command in S4502 (the hit/miss judgment result related to the current special pattern fluctuation display), and the special pattern fluctuation pattern information specified by the analysis result of the fluctuation start command (the fluctuation pattern and stop pattern related to the current special pattern fluctuation display). When a preview performance is executed, one of the multiple preview performances (one type of preview performance) may be executed, or two or more preview performances (multiple types of preview performances) may be executed, that is, multiple types of preview performances may be executed at their own execution timing during one fluctuation display (during a fluctuation performance).

Next, in S4507, a variable performance start command for starting a variable performance, etc. based on the variable performance pattern set in S4505 and the preview performance pattern set in S4506 is set in the sub-output buffer (S4507), and the variable performance start process is completed. When the variable performance start command set in S4507 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads out from the ROM of the image control board 100 the variable performance pattern specified based on the variable performance start command, i.e., the predetermined variable performance image data (image data constituting the start of the change, during the change, the change stop, etc. of the performance pattern 8) corresponding to the variable performance pattern set in S4505, and the preview performance pattern specified based on the variable performance start command, i.e., the predetermined preview performance image data corresponding to the preview performance pattern set in S4506, and executes the variable performance and preview performance based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. In addition, the variable display (blinking display) by two LEDs on the performance display device 102 is also executed. Furthermore, in conjunction with the execution of the variable effects, various effects such as sound effects, light effects, and moving effects are executed via the audio control board 106 and the lamp control board 107.

[Variable performance end processing]
Next, the variable performance end process (S4407) executed based on the reception of a variable stop command (see S1902) from the main control board 80 in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in Fig. 46A and Fig. 46B, in the variable performance end process (S4407), first, it is determined whether the current variable display (the relevant variable) that has been stopped is a miss variable (S4601). As a result, if it is determined that it is not a miss variable (NO in S4601), that is, if the relevant variable is a big win variable, the process proceeds to the process of S4619 (see Fig. 46B) described later.

In contrast, if it is determined that the fluctuation that has stopped is a miss fluctuation (YES in S4601), it is determined whether the v mode status is "2" (S4603). As described above, mode status "2" corresponds to presentation mode B, so when the mode status is "2", the current presentation mode is presentation mode B, i.e., battle mode.

If it is determined in S4603 that the mode status is not "2" (NO in S4603), i.e., if the current mode status is "1", "3", "4" or "5", the process proceeds to S4623 (see FIG. 46B) described below. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode status is "2" (YES in S4603), i.e., if the game is in battle mode, it is determined whether the battle mode will continue to the next change display (also called the "next change") (S4605). This S4605 process can also be said to be a process for determining whether the battle mode will end with that change (a miss change).

Here, the battle mode is a presentation mode (presentation mode B) that is started (set) after the end of a 7R jackpot game, and the duration of the battle mode is set (determined) based on the operation period (see Figure 6) of the time-saving function and high base generation function that are predetermined for the 7R jackpot that triggers the start of the battle mode (trigger for setting presentation mode B).

Specifically, if the battle mode is initiated by the 7R first jackpot or the 7R second jackpot, the battle mode will continue after the jackpot play ends until 50 rounds of variable play have been played. Then, when the 50th round of variable play ends without a jackpot occurring, the battle mode ends. After this, if the battle mode is caused by the 7R first jackpot, it will transition to revenge mode (presentation mode C) which corresponds to a high probability low base state, and if it is caused by the 7R second jackpot, it will transition to normal mode (presentation mode A) which corresponds to a low probability low base state (normal play state).

In addition, if the battle mode is initiated by a 7R 3rd jackpot or 7R 4th jackpot, the battle mode will continue after the jackpot play ends until 75 rounds of variable play have been played. If the 75th round of variable play ends without a jackpot occurring, the battle mode will end. After this, if the battle mode is caused by a 7R 3rd jackpot, it will transition to revenge mode (presentation mode C), and if it is caused by a 7R 4th jackpot, it will transition to normal mode (presentation mode A).

In addition, if the battle mode is initiated by a 7R 5th jackpot or 7R 6th jackpot, the battle mode will continue after the jackpot play ends until 100 rounds of variable play have been played. Then, when the 100th round of variable play ends without a jackpot occurring, the battle mode ends. After this, if the battle mode is caused by a 7R 5th jackpot, it will transition to revenge mode (presentation mode C), and if it is caused by a 7R 6th jackpot, it will transition to normal mode (presentation mode A).

In addition, if the trigger for starting the battle mode is the seventh jackpot in round 7, after the end of the jackpot game, the game will remain in battle mode until 100 rounds of variable play have been played. If the 100th round of variable play ends without a jackpot, the battle mode will end. After this, the game will transition to heaven mode (presentation mode D), which corresponds to a high probability high base state (high probability game state).

In this way, in this pachinko game machine 1, when the 7R jackpot game ends and the battle mode starts, the battle mode can continue until 50, 75, or 100 variable games have been played. When 100 variable games have been played in the battle mode, the mode can transition to the heaven mode from that point onward (101st time onward). By utilizing this continuation mode of the battle mode, the variable games when the variable games in the battle mode reach 50 and 75 times are set as battle mode continuation branching points, and a performance is executed in the variable game at the branching point to indicate whether the battle mode will continue or not. In addition, when the variable game in the battle mode reaches 100 times, the variable game is set as the final branching point of the battle mode, and a performance is executed in the variable game at the branching point to indicate whether the mode will transition to the heaven mode or not. Details of the battle mode will be described later.

The sub-controller (microcomputer for controlling the performance) can specify (determine) the number of times variable play will be performed during the battle mode, for example, by providing a counter similar to the special probability counter or time-saving counter provided in the main control unit in the RAM of the sub-control board 90, or by including information regarding the remaining number of times the special probability or time-saving play will be performed in the start or stop variable command from the main control unit and specifying the number of times based on this.

If it is determined in S4605 that the battle mode will continue (YES in S4605), it is determined whether or not the stopped fluctuation corresponds to a fluctuation game at the branch point of continuing the battle mode (S4607). In other words, it is determined whether or not the stopped fluctuation (missing fluctuation) corresponds to the 50th (also called the "first branch point") or 75th (also called the "second branch point") fluctuation game during the battle mode (S4607). If it is determined that it does not correspond (NO in S4607), a presentation pattern (also called the "first stop presentation pattern") for the presentation (also called the "first stop presentation") corresponding to the end of a missing fluctuation other than a branch point during the battle mode (when a missing symbol stops) other than a branch point is set (S4609). On the other hand, if it is determined that the situation is met (YES in S4607), a presentation pattern (also called the "second stop presentation pattern") for the presentation (also called the "second stop presentation") corresponding to the end of the miss variation (when the miss symbol stops) at the branching point (continuation) during the battle mode is set (S4611). Then, following the processing of S4609 or S4611, the process proceeds to the processing of S4623 described below. The content of the presentation based on the first stop presentation pattern and the second stop presentation pattern will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S4605 that the battle mode will not continue (NO in S4605), that is, if the battle mode ends with the fluctuation that has stopped, it is determined whether or not to transition to heaven mode from the next fluctuation (S4613). A transition to heaven mode will occur if the current battle mode is due to the seventh jackpot in the 7th round.

If it is determined in S4613 that the mode will be changed to Heaven mode (YES in S4613), a presentation pattern (also called the "third stop presentation pattern") corresponding to the end of the miss variation that ends the battle mode immediately before the mode will be changed to Heaven mode is set (S4615). On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode will not be changed to Heaven mode (NO in S4613), that is, if the mode will be changed to Revenge mode or Normal mode, a presentation pattern (also called the "fourth stop presentation pattern") corresponding to the end of the miss variation that ends the battle mode immediately before the mode will be changed to Revenge mode or Normal mode is set (S4617). Then, following the processing of S4615 or S4617, the process moves to the processing of S4623 described later. The contents of the presentation based on the third stop presentation pattern and the fourth stop presentation pattern will be described later.

The above is the process when the fluctuation that has stopped is a miss fluctuation, but on the other hand, when the fluctuation that has stopped is not a miss fluctuation (NO in S4601), that is, when it is a jackpot fluctuation, as shown in FIG. 46B, it is determined whether the current mode status is "1" or "3" (S4619). As mentioned above, mode status "1" corresponds to presentation mode A, and mode status "3" corresponds to presentation mode C, so when the mode status is "1", the current presentation mode is presentation mode A, i.e., normal mode, and when the mode status is "3", the current presentation mode is presentation mode C, i.e., revenge mode.

Here, presentation mode A is set when the game state is controlled to a low-probability, low-base state, and presentation mode C is set when the game state is controlled to a high-probability, low-base state. In other words, presentation modes A (normal mode) and B (revenge mode) are both left-hand play states. For this reason, the judgment process of S4619 can also be said to be a process for judging whether or not the current game state is a left-hand play state.

If it is determined in S4619 that the mode status is not "1" or "3" (NO in S4619), i.e., if the mode status is "2", "4" or "5" (if the game is in a right-hand play state), the process proceeds to S4623 without processing S4621. On the other hand, if it is determined that the mode status is "1" or "3" (YES in S4619), i.e., if the game is in normal mode or revenge mode (if the game is in a left-hand play state), a right-hand play instruction notification command that specifies the execution of a right-hand play instruction notification to instruct the player to launch the game ball toward the right play area 3B (a specified area) of the play area 3 is set in the sub-output buffer (S4621).

When the right hit instruction notification command set in S4621 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 executes an effect related to the right hit instruction notification (also called the "right hit instruction notification effect") on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. At this time, the right hit instruction notification effect is executed (started) during the stopped display time (jackpot stopped display time) of the stopped fluctuation (jackpot fluctuation). This is because the right hit instruction notification effect is executed (started) based on the reception of the fluctuation stop command (see S1902) when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol (specific mode), that is, the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol. The contents of the right hit instruction notification effect will be described later.

Next, in S4623, a variable performance end command for stopping and displaying performance symbol 8 and ending the variable performance is set in the sub-output buffer (S4623), and this process ends. Also, in S4623, if any of the first to fourth stop time performance patterns was set in the above-mentioned S4609, S4611, S4615, or S4617, that is, if it corresponds to the end of the variable performance related to a miss variation during battle mode, a command (also called a "stop time performance command") that specifies the execution of a performance based on the set stop time performance pattern is also set (S4623). The stop time performance command may be a separate command from the variable performance end command, or may be included in the variable performance end command.

When the variable performance end command set in S4623 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 stops the display of the performance pattern 8 that was being displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and ends the variable performance. The stopped display of the performance pattern 8 at this time is the stopped performance pattern set in the above-mentioned S4505.

In addition, when the stop-time performance command set in S4623 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcontroller 101 executes a performance display related to the stop-time performance on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7.

[Battle Mode]
Next, the battle mode will be described. As described above, the battle mode is a presentation mode that is executed in both cases where the low probability high base state (first mode) is set as the game state after the 7R jackpot game, and where the high probability high base state (second mode) is set.

During battle mode, allied characters defeat enemy characters with each variable play (variable performance), and the battle mode continues when the enemy boss character is defeated in the variable play at the battle mode continuation branch point (in this example, the 50th and 75th play). After the battle mode starts, defeating the enemy boss character in the 100th variable play (final branch point of battle mode) transitions to heaven mode, and the player is notified that they are in a high probability high base state (probability variable play state).

When the battle mode is started, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 displays a battle mode-compatible presentation screen (battle mode presentation) as shown in FIG. 50(A). As shown in the figure, the display screen 7a during battle mode displays presentation patterns 8 (8L, 8C, 8R), an image 701 indicating the remaining number of changes in the battle mode (also called the "remaining number of changes image"), an image 702 instructing a right hit (also called the "right hit instruction image"), an image 901 representing an ally character (also called the "ally character image"), an image 902 representing an enemy character (also called the "enemy character image"), and an image 903 indicating the remaining number of enemy characters to be defeated (also called the "remaining number image").

Image 702 (right-hit instruction image), which is composed of the characters "right hit" and a right arrow, is displayed from the first round of a 7R jackpot game when a 7R jackpot occurs in a low-probability, low-base state, and is displayed thereafter until the state in which the game is played by right-hitting (right-hit game state) ends.

During battle mode, a display (subtraction display) is displayed in which the remaining number of variations indicated by image 701 is subtracted by one each time a variable play begins (each variation). Also during battle mode, several enemy characters appear in the upper left corner of the screen each time a variable play begins (each variation) (see FIG. 50(A)), and a display (variation display) depicting an ally character defeating the enemy character is displayed by images 901 and 902 during variable play. This battle mode and the display by images 701, 901, and 902 executed during the battle mode are an example of a "mode display".

The display effect (subtraction display) by image 701 is executed based on the reception of a change start command from the main control board 80. In addition, the display effect (showing an ally character defeating an enemy character) by images 901 and 902 is executed based on the change effect pattern set in S4505.

During the battle mode (high base state), the special symbol fluctuation display (fluctuation game) is executed based on the fluctuation pattern during the time-saving state, and most of the miss fluctuations during the battle mode are executed based on the fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 2000 ms (P22), and most of the miss fluctuations that start with the number of reserved balls for special symbol 2 being "1" are executed based on the fluctuation pattern with a fluctuation time of 12000 ms (P18) (see FIG. 9). As a fluctuation effect corresponding to the miss fluctuation executed based on these fluctuation patterns (P18 or P22), the effect display using images 901 and 902 is executed. Note that if a fluctuation pattern other than fluctuation patterns P18 and P22 is selected during the battle mode, an effect display (for example, a predetermined reach effect) corresponding to the miss fluctuation or jackpot fluctuation based on the selected fluctuation pattern is executed.

In addition, when the effect display using images 901 and 902 is executed, an effect display is displayed in which the remaining number of enemy characters shown in image 903 decreases. The effect display using image 903 (decreasing the remaining number of enemy characters) is a stop-time effect executed based on any of the first to third stop-time effect patterns set in S4609, S4611, or S4615, and is executed during the stop display time (stop display period) when the special pattern (and effect pattern 8) is stopped and displayed in a miss mode (non-specific mode) due to the end of the miss variation. This effect display using image 903 can be executed when either a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state is set, and is an example of a "first predetermined effect".

In this embodiment, the number of remaining enemy characters to be reduced (for example, between 1 and 10) is determined by the first to third stop time presentation patterns. The number of remaining enemy characters to be reduced may also be determined by the variation presentation pattern that is set at the start of the variation.

In addition, the failure variation executed at the battle mode continuation branch point (50th, 75th) and the battle mode final branch point (100th) in the battle mode is always based on the 30,000 ms variation pattern (P17 or P21). That is, when the special chart 2 variation display is executed for the 50th, 75th, and 100th times in the battle mode, the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process (S1203) selects (sets) the variation pattern P17 or P21 (see FIG. 9) as the failure variation pattern regardless of the number of balls reserved for the special chart. Then, when the variation play at each branch point of the battle mode is started, as shown in FIG. 50 (B), an image 901 representing an ally character and an image 904 representing an enemy boss character are displayed on the display screen 7a, and as a performance display (variation performance) corresponding to the variation, a performance display depicting a confrontation scene between the ally character and the enemy boss character is developed by the images 901 and 904. At this time, the remaining number of variations indicated by the image 701 is "0". The presentation of images 901 and 904 (a showdown between an ally character and an enemy boss character) is also an example of a "mode presentation."

And when the ally character is defeated at the branch point (50th, 75th or 100th), the battle mode ends with that change (NO in S4605, NO in S4613). In this case, when the branch point miss change ends, the right hit instruction image, ally character image and enemy character image that were displayed up until then are hidden on the display screen 7a, as shown in FIG. 50(C), and an image 703 instructing left hit (also called "left hit instruction image") and an image 905 (also called "battle mode end notification image") including characters indicating the end of the battle mode (for example, the characters "END") are displayed. The display of images 703 and 905 is a stop time effect executed based on the fourth stop time effect pattern set in S4617, and is executed during the stop display time (stop display period) when the special pattern (and effect pattern 8) is stopped and displayed in a miss mode (non-specific mode) due to the end of the miss change. The display of images 703 and 905 can be executed whether the low probability high base state or the high probability high base state is set, and is an example of a "first predetermined effect." The display of images 703 and 905 notifies the player that the battle mode (high base state) has ended and the transition to the low base state will occur.

The display of image 703 (left hit instruction image) (also called the "left hit instruction notification effect") continues for a while (for example, until a predetermined time such as 10 seconds has passed) after the next fluctuation has started. This is to encourage the player to switch the game ball launch operation from "right hit" to "left hit."

In addition, the display of image 905 (battle mode end notification image) (battle mode end effect) is executed from the next change onwards until a predetermined number of (e.g., three) change plays are completed, and then, instead of displaying image 905, an image (not shown) indicating the current mode (normal mode or revenge mode) is displayed (also called a "mode notification effect"). By executing the mode notification effect, the current game state (here, low probability low base state or high probability low base state) is notified to the player. In this way, by notifying the current game state after the predetermined number of change plays are completed after the battle mode ends, it is possible to attract the player's interest in whether the game will transition to normal mode (low probability low base state) or revenge mode (high probability low base state) until the predetermined number of change plays are completed, and to maintain the interest of the game.

On the other hand, if an ally character wins at the battle mode continuation branch point (50th or 75th time), the battle mode will continue after the change (YES in S4605, YES in S4607). In this case, when the failure change of the battle mode continuation branch point ends, as shown in FIG. 51 (A), an effect display is executed in which the number of remaining enemy characters shown by image 903 is reduced by one. This is the number of enemy boss characters. The effect display by image 903 at this time (remaining enemy character number subtraction display) is a stop time effect executed based on the second stop time effect pattern set in S4611, and is executed during the stop display time (stop display period) when the special pattern (and effect pattern 8) is stopped and displayed in a failure mode (non-specific mode) due to the end of the failure change. The effect display by image 903 at this time can be executed regardless of whether a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state is set, and is an example of a "first predetermined effect". Image 903 will be displayed after the next change as long as the battle mode continues (see Figure 50 (A)).

In addition, when an ally character wins at the battle mode continuation branch point and the miss variation ends, an effect display (addition display) is executed in which the remaining number of variations shown by image 701 is added by "25", as shown in FIG. 51 (A). The effect display (addition display) by image 701 at this time is a stop time effect executed based on the second stop time effect pattern set in S4611, and is executed during the stop display time (stop display period) when the special pattern (and effect pattern 8) is stopped and displayed in a miss mode (non-specific mode) due to the end of the miss variation. This effect display by image 701 (addition display of the remaining number of variations) can be executed whether a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state is set, and is an example of a "first predetermined effect".

Also, when the friendly character wins at the final branch point (100th time) of the battle mode and the failure variation ends, as shown in FIG. 51 (B), the following are executed: the remaining number of variations shown by image 701 is changed to "∞" (infinite), the remaining number of enemy characters shown by image 903 becomes "000", and an image 906 (also called a "probability variation suggestion image") including characters indicating that all enemy characters have been defeated (for example, the characters "defeat all") appears. The performance display by images 701, 903, and 906 at this time is a stop time performance executed based on the third stop time performance pattern set in S4615, and is executed during the stop display time (stop display period) when the special pattern (and performance pattern 8) is stopped and displayed in a failure mode (non-specific mode) due to the end of the failure variation. The performance display by images 701, 903, and 906 is executable only when a high probability high base state is set, and is an example of a "second predetermined performance". The display of images 701, 903, and 906 notifies the player of the transition to Heaven mode, i.e., that the current game state is a high probability high base state. Note that images 701, 903, and 906 shown in FIG. 51(B) are displayed after the transition to Heaven mode until the next jackpot occurs, but they can also be hidden during that time by the development of variable effects.

[Right hit instruction notification effect]
Next, the right hit instruction notification effect executed based on the right hit instruction notification command set in S4621 will be described. As shown in FIG. 52 (A) and (B), the right hit instruction notification effect based on the right hit instruction notification command is performed by displaying an image 801 (also called a "right hit instruction effect image") consisting of a handle image and an arrow image showing the state of rotating the launch handle 60 in a clockwise direction (right direction) and a text image of "Right hit!" on the display screen 7a. This image 801 (right hit instruction effect image) is more noticeable in terms of image size and design than the above-mentioned image 702 (right hit instruction image) consisting of a right arrow without including a handle image, and is a display mode that can appeal more strongly to the player's visual sense. This is to strongly encourage the player to switch from left hit to right hit.

The right-hit instruction notification effect (display of a right-hit instruction effect image) is executed during the stopped display period when the special symbol is displayed as a 7R jackpot symbol (specific mode) in a low base state (low probability low base state or high probability low base state). An example of the display on the display screen 7a at this time is shown in Figure 52 (A). As mentioned above, in this embodiment, the jackpot stop display time in a low base state is 5.0 seconds (5000 ms), so as shown in Figure 52 (A), image 801 is displayed while the effect symbol 8 is displayed as a jackpot effect symbol (for example, a repeated number 5) and stopped (confirmed display). This allows the player to recognize (understand) the start of right-hit along with the confirmation of the jackpot.

In this embodiment, even after the jackpot stop display time (stop display period) has elapsed and the opening period has begun, the right-hit instruction notification effect (display of the right-hit instruction effect image) continues. An example of the display on the display screen 7a at this time is shown in FIG. 52 (B). As described above, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a jackpot symbol, and the jackpot game starts after the stop display time has elapsed, an opening command (see S2010) is sent from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90, and the opening effect based on the opening command is executed for a predetermined opening period (see S4408, S4409). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 52 (B), image 801 is displayed while the opening effect is displayed on the display screen 7a, and the right-hit instruction notification effect is executed during the opening period.

When the opening period has elapsed and a round start command for the first round is sent from the main control board 80 to the sub-control board 90, the round performance for the first round is executed. An example of the display on the display screen 7a at this time is shown in Figure 52 (C). When the round performance is displayed on the display screen 7a with the start of the first round (when the round performance starts), the image 801 (right hit instruction performance image) that had been displayed on the display screen 7a up until that point becomes hidden (is erased), and instead, the image 702 (right hit instruction image) is displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 7a.

In other words, when a jackpot occurs in a low base state, the right-hit instruction notification by displaying image 801 is executed before the opening period related to that jackpot begins, and the display of image 801 ends when the opening period ends (the start of the first round). Then, after the opening period ends (after the start of the first round), the right-hit instruction notification by displaying image 702 is executed.

The image 702 continues to be displayed in the upper right corner of the display screen 7a during the jackpot game, during the ending period after the end of the final round of the jackpot game, and in the high base state (battle mode, heaven mode) after the ending period has elapsed, during the stop display period when the special pattern (performance pattern) is stopped and displayed in the jackpot mode in the high base state (during the jackpot stop display time), and throughout the opening period of the jackpot that occurred in the high base state (see Fig. 50 (A), (B), Fig. 51 (A), (B)). And, for example, when the battle mode ends without a jackpot occurring during the battle mode and transitions to the normal mode or revenge mode, the game state transitions from the high base state to the low base state, so that the image 702 becomes invisible (is erased) with the transition to the low base state, and instead, the image 703 (left hit instruction image) is displayed on the display screen 7a (see Fig. 50 (C)).

On the other hand, if a jackpot (e.g., a 15R jackpot) occurs during battle mode (high base state), image 702 is displayed as is on the display screen 7a, and image 801 (right-hit instruction display image) is not displayed (right-hit instruction notification display is not executed). During battle mode, the player is already performing a right-hit because the game is in a high base state (right-hit game state), and there is little need to display image 801 (right-hit instruction display image) in a more noticeable (flashy) manner than image 702 (right-hit instruction image) (to execute a right-hit instruction notification display). Also, the jackpot stop display time in the high base state (1.0 seconds in this example) is shorter than the jackpot stop display time in the low base state (5.0 seconds in this example), and it is cumbersome to change the manner of the right-hit instruction notification display in a short period of time.

The sub-controller (performance control microcomputer 91), which controls the execution of the right-hit instruction notification by displaying images 702 and 801, the image control unit (image control microcomputer 101), and the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) that displays images 702 and 801 function as "instruction notification execution means."

[Effects of Example 1]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment described above, when the game state (mode of variable game) is set to a low probability high base state (first mode) or a high probability high base state (second mode) (during battle mode) in the variable game, if the identification information (special pattern, performance pattern) is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner (missing manner), at the time of the stopped display (at the end of the missing fluctuation), a stop-time performance (first predetermined performance) such as a performance (performance display by image 903) that subtracts the remaining number of enemy characters to be defeated in battle mode, and a performance (performance display by image 701) that adds the remaining number of fluctuations in battle mode is executed (see Figures 50 (A) and (B) and Figure 51 (A)).

In addition, when a low-probability high base state or a high-probability high base state is set (during battle mode), in a variable play (the 50th, 75th or 100th variable play during battle mode) that is executed at a branching point, and the battle mode (high base state) ends with the transition to a low base state, when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner (missing manner), at the time of the stop display (at the end of the miss fluctuation), a left-hit instruction notification (presentation display by image 703) and a battle mode end notification (presentation display by image 905) and other stop-time effects (first predetermined effect) are executed (see FIG. 50 (C)).

Furthermore, when the high probability high base state (second mode) is set (during battle mode), if the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner (missing manner) during the variable play (the 100th variable play during battle mode) executed at the final branching point of the battle mode, at the time of the stopped display (at the end of the missing variable), a display (second predetermined display) is executed, such as a display of the remaining number of variations being changed to "∞" (infinite) (display displayed by image 701), a display of the remaining number of enemy characters to be defeated being set to zero (display displayed by image 903), and a display of announcing that all enemy characters have been defeated (display displayed by image 906) (see FIG. 51 (B)).

For this reason, during battle mode, when a non-specific mode is stopped and displayed as a result of variable play before reaching a branching point and the first predetermined performance is executed, it is unclear to the player whether the game state is a low-probability high base state (first mode) or a high-probability high base state (second mode); when a non-specific mode is stopped and displayed as a result of variable play at a branching point and the first predetermined performance is executed, it is clear to the player that the game state is not a high-probability high base state (second mode); and when a non-specific mode is stopped and displayed as a result of variable play at the final branching point and the second predetermined performance is executed, it is clear to the player that the game state is a high-probability high base state (second mode).

In this way, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner during variable play in the battle mode, a presentation (first predetermined presentation or second predetermined presentation) of a type corresponding to the game state (variable play mode) at that time can appear. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest in the presentation when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner (presentation at the end of a losing variation) while variable play is repeated in the battle mode, thereby sustaining the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific mode (miss mode) during variable play in the battle mode, the first or second predetermined performance is executed during the stopped display period. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest during the stopped display period (miss stop display time) of the non-specific mode (miss mode). This makes it possible to increase the excitement when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific mode.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, during a non-specific stop display period, when a stop display (predetermined display) such as a subtraction display of the remaining enemy characters by image 903 (first predetermined display, second predetermined display), an addition display of the remaining number of changes by image 701 (first predetermined display), a left hit instruction notification display by image 703 (first predetermined display), an end of battle mode notification by image 905 (first predetermined display), an infinite display of the remaining number of changes by image 701 (second predetermined display), or an all enemy character defeat notification by image 906 (second predetermined display) is executed (started), the stop display continues to be displayed (executed) even after the stop display period has elapsed and the next variable play has started. Therefore, the stop display (predetermined display) is executed across the next variable play. This makes it easier to recognize the execution of the stop display (predetermined display).

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state (mode of variable play) after the end of the jackpot game (special game) related to the 7R jackpot is set to a low probability high base state (first mode) or a high probability high base state (second mode), and the high probability high base state is considered to be more advantageous for the player. In either case, when the low probability high base state is set or when the high probability high base state is set, the same (common) mode presentation (battle mode) is executed, and during the execution period of that mode presentation (during the battle mode), the first predetermined presentation or the second predetermined presentation described above is executed. For this reason, although the player cannot determine from the mode presentation (battle mode) whether the game state (mode of variable play) after the end of the jackpot game is set to a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state, it is possible to determine the mode that is set at that time through the stop presentation (predetermined presentation) when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a non-specific manner in the variable play at the branching point. This makes it possible to increase interest when the identification information is displayed stationary in a non-specific manner during variable play after the big win game ends.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific mode (jackpot mode) in a variable game in a low base state and a jackpot game (special game) is executed, a right-hit instruction notification effect (instruction notification) is executed by displaying the image 801 before the start of the opening period set at the start of the jackpot game (see FIG. 52 (A)). The jackpot game is a game in which a game ball is inserted into the large prize entry port (special ball entry port), and the large prize entry port is configured so that a game ball shot toward the right game area 3B can enter it. Therefore, by executing the right-hit instruction notification effect (display of the image 801) before the start of the opening period of the jackpot game, the player can recognize that he should shoot the game ball toward the right game area 3B at an early stage before the start of the jackpot game and can deal with the ball entering the large prize entry port. This allows the game ball to be appropriately shot in time with the start of the jackpot game, making it possible to prevent a decrease in interest.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, if the right hit instruction notification by displaying the image 801 is executed before the opening period starts, the right hit instruction notification by displaying the image 801 is also executed during the opening period (see Figs. 52 (A) and (B)). Then, when the opening period ends and the first round of round play starts, the right hit instruction notification by displaying the image 801 (also called the "first right hit instruction notification performance") is replaced by the right hit instruction notification by the image 702 (also called the "second right hit instruction notification performance") (see Fig. 52 (C)). Therefore, the instruction notification to launch the game ball toward the right game area 3B is executed not only before the opening period starts, but also after the opening period ends. This makes it possible to continuously encourage the appropriate launch of the game ball.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the mode (display of image 801) of the right hit instruction notification (first right hit instruction notification effect) executed before the opening period begins is different from the mode (display of image 702) of the right hit instruction notification executed after the opening period ends, so it is possible to change the right hit instruction notification from before the opening period begins (before the start of the jackpot game) to after it ends (during the jackpot game). This makes it possible to issue right hit instruction notifications according to the game situation.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the identification information is displayed in a specific mode (jackpot mode) during variable play, a right-hit instruction notification (display of image 801 or image 702) is executed during the display period (during the jackpot display time). This makes it possible for the player to recognize that he or she should launch the game ball toward the right game area 3B from the time the identification information is displayed in a specific mode.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, there is a low base state (first game state) in which the frequency of game balls entering the second start port 21 (variable start port), which triggers the execution of variable play, is relatively low, and a high base state (second game state) in which the frequency is relatively high. The stop display period (jackpot stop display time) is different when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in the low base state and when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner in the high base state. For this reason, it is possible to differ the execution period and execution timing of the right hit instruction notification depending on the game state when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a specific manner. This makes it possible to issue a right hit instruction notification according to the game state.

In the above-mentioned first embodiment, when the identification information is displayed as stopped in a non-specific manner (missing manner) during variable play in the battle mode, if a stop-time effect (display shown by image 903) is performed in which the remaining number of enemy characters is subtracted, or a stop-time effect (display shown by image 701) is performed in which the remaining number of changes in the battle mode is added, the stop-time effect (first predetermined effect) may be executed in a manner that suggests the possibility that a high probability, high base state (second mode) that is relatively advantageous to the player has been set.

Specifically, for example, a first mode (normal mode) and a second mode (special mode) are provided as the modes of the stop-time performance as the first predetermined performance, and when executing the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance), either the first mode or the second mode is selected, and the stop-time performance is executed in the selected mode. Then, if the game state when executing the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance) is a low-probability high-base state (first mode), the selectability (executability) of the first mode is made higher than that of the second mode, and if it is a high-probability high-base state (second mode), the selectability (executability) of the second mode is made higher than that of the first mode. In this way, by configuring the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance) to be executed in the first mode or the second mode, it is possible to execute the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance) in a mode that suggests the possibility that a high-probability high-base state (second mode) is set.

In this way, if the execution frequency of the stop-time performance in the second mode is higher than the execution frequency of the stop-time performance in the first mode in a losing variation that occurs before the final branch point during battle mode, it can be said that there is a high possibility (probability of probability of winning) that the current game state is in a high-probability, high-base state. On the other hand, if the execution frequency of the stop-time performance in the first mode is higher than the execution frequency of the stop-time performance in the second mode, it can be said that there is a low possibility (probability of probability of winning) that the current game state is in a high-probability, high-base state. Therefore, the player can guess the currently set game state (mode) through the stop-time performance (first specified performance) that is executed at the end of a losing variation that occurs before the final branch point during battle mode. This makes it possible to further increase the interest when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a non-specific mode.

The first mode (normal mode) and the second mode (special mode) of the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance) can be set, for example, by the display mode of the image displayed in the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance). Specifically, for example, a normal color (e.g., blue) and a special color (red) can be set as the display colors of the image 903 and the image 701, and the first mode can be the normal color and the second mode can be the special color. In addition, as the mode of subtraction display of the remaining number of enemy characters by the image 903, a mode in which the subtraction display speed is different or a mode in which the remaining number to be subtracted (subtraction number) is different can be set. For example, a first mode in which the subtraction display speed is a predetermined speed and a second mode in which the subtraction display speed is faster than the first mode can be set, or a first mode in which the subtraction number is a predetermined number and a second mode in which the subtraction number is greater than the first mode can be set. Note that the mode of the stop-time performance (first predetermined performance) is not limited to the first mode and the second mode, and three or more modes can be set.

In the above-mentioned embodiment 1, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner (missing manner) during variable play in the battle mode, a reserved pre-reading notice may be given in a manner corresponding to the game state (mode) at that time as a stop-time performance (predetermined performance). Specifically, for example, the reserved pattern (reserved icon) constituting the second performance reserve 9b indicating that the second special reserved pattern is stored may be displayed on the display screen 7a during the battle mode, and the display mode of the reserved pattern may be changed at the end of the miss-changing period to give a reserved pre-reading notice (also called a "reserved change notice"). In this case, the usual reserved pattern when the reserved change notice is not given is the normal reserved pattern, and the reserved pattern when the reserved change notice is given is the notice reserved pattern. The preview reserved symbols are a first preview reserved symbol that can be displayed when the game state is a low probability high base state (first mode), and a second preview reserved symbol that can be displayed when the game state is a high probability high base state (second mode). When the execution condition for the preview reserved symbol is met at the end of the losing variation, the first preview reserved symbol or the second preview reserved symbol is displayed according to the game state at that time.

With this configuration, it is possible to provide suggestions regarding variable play based on the reserved special chart (e.g., the second reserved special chart) stored at the time through the presentation (predetermined presentation) when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner. This also makes it possible to increase interest when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner.

In addition, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the effect (predetermined effect) when the game is stopped in the battle mode may be a display effect using various images such as images 701 and 903, a sound effect, a light effect, a moving effect, or a combination of these effects.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, the right-hit instruction notification performance and the left-hit instruction notification performance may be performed by displaying the images 702, 703, and 801, or by illuminating electric elements such as a panel lamp or a frame lamp, outputting sound from a speaker, or by a combination of these.

In addition, in the above-mentioned Example 1, when the game state transitions from a high base state to a low base state with the end of the battle mode, if a jackpot (so-called "pullback") occurs due to the consumption (priority consumption) of the second special reserved chart that occurred during the previous battle mode (during the high base state), a right hit instruction notification (second right hit instruction notification effect) may be performed using image 702 instead of a right hit instruction notification (first right hit instruction notification effect) using image 801. In this way, a player who has been performing a right hit until recently can be simply prompted to start performing a right hit again, making it possible to minimize the inconvenience felt by the player due to the right hit instruction notification effect. In this case, the jackpot stop display time for the jackpot resulting from the consumption of the second special reserved chart in the low base state (the 8th or 9th jackpot of 15R in Example 1) may be set to a relatively short time (for example, 1.0 seconds) similar to the jackpot stop display time in the high base state, and the second right hit instruction notification effect may be performed during the short stop display period. In this way, when right hitting is resumed immediately after the right hit is finished, right hitting can be resumed smoothly without any unnecessary gaps.

Next, the pachinko gaming machine 1 of Example 2 will be described. Below, the parts that are different from Example 1 will mainly be described, and the parts that are common to Example 1 (configuration, action, effect, etc.) will not be described. In the following description, the same symbols, number of control steps, etc. as in Example 1 will be used for the configurations that are common to Example 1.

In the above-mentioned Example 1, the three (three-digit) performance patterns 8 were each composed of a number pattern from "1" to "9". In contrast, in this example, the performance patterns 8 displayed in the low probability low base state (normal mode) and high probability low base state (revenge mode) are number patterns from "1" to "9" as in Example 1, and the performance patterns 8 displayed in the low probability high base state (battle mode) and high probability high base state (battle mode, heaven mode, chance mode) are composed of a number pattern representing a number and a character pattern depicting a character.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 53, the character "A" corresponds to the number "1," the character "B" corresponds to the number "2," and so on, with each number design 801 from "1" to "9" corresponding to each character design 802 from "A" to "I." In other words, the performance design is made up of the nine number designs 801 from "1" to "9" and the nine character designs 802 from "A" to "I." As shown in the figure, the performance designs in this embodiment are divided into an even group and an odd group. Additionally, the facial expressions of the character designs 802 (character designs that pair with the even number designs 801 from "1" to "9") that make up the performance designs that belong to the even group are "normal" or "unhappy," while the facial expressions of the character designs 802 (character designs that pair with the odd number designs 801 from "1" to "9") that make up the performance designs that belong to the odd group are "smiling."

Hereinafter, a design consisting of the number "1" and the character "A" will be referred to as "design 1A", a design consisting of the number "2" and the character "B" will be referred to as "design 2B", a design consisting of the number "3" and the character "C" will be referred to as "design 3C", a design consisting of the number "4" and the character "D" will be referred to as "design 4D", a design consisting of the number "5" and the character "E" will be referred to as "design 5E", a design consisting of the number "6" and the character "F" will be referred to as "design 6F", a design consisting of the number "7" and the character "G" will be referred to as "design 7G", a design consisting of the number "8" and the character "H" will be referred to as "design 8H", and a design consisting of the number "9" and the character "I" will be referred to as "design 9I".

In this embodiment, each pattern (patterns 1A-9I) consisting of number patterns 801 (1-9) and character patterns 802 (A-I) is displayed as left performance pattern 8L, center performance pattern 8C, and right performance pattern 8R. Note that number patterns 801 constituting performance pattern 8 (patterns 1A-9I) are an example of a "first pattern element," and character patterns 802 are an example of a "second pattern element."

In the high base state, the second special symbol hit/miss judgment (display of the change in the second special symbol) based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21 is mainly executed, and if the result is a 15R 8th jackpot (a V-scheduled jackpot), the corresponding display mode (specific mode) of the performance symbol 8 is displayed as a line-up of the same symbols in the odd group (for example, "symbol 7G, symbol 7G, symbol 7G"), and if the result is a 15R 9th jackpot (a V-scheduled jackpot), the corresponding display mode (specific mode) of the performance symbol 8 is displayed as a line-up of the same symbols in the even group (for example, "symbol 4D, symbol 4D, symbol 4D"). Therefore, in this embodiment, when the performance symbol 8 is displayed in a specific mode, it is possible to determine whether it is a V-scheduled jackpot or a V-scheduled jackpot depending on whether the number symbols constituting the specific mode are odd or even. In addition, depending on whether the facial expression of the character design that constitutes the specific mode is a smile or a non-smile (a normal face or a displeased face), it is also possible to determine whether the jackpot is a V-passing jackpot or a V-non-passing jackpot.

In this embodiment, as a presentation pattern (variation presentation pattern) of the variable presentation, when the left presentation pattern 8L and the right presentation pattern 8R are stopped (temporarily stopped) with a pattern (the same type of pattern in this example) that constitutes a jackpot pattern after the start of the variable presentation and a reach is established, a presentation pattern (also called a "specific variable presentation pattern") is provided that includes a presentation in which the type (stop display mode) of the pattern (reach pattern, stop pattern) that constitutes the reach is changed (also called a "stop pattern change presentation"). The specific variable presentation pattern is one of the presentation patterns of the reach variable presentation, and can be set (executed) when the sub-control board 90 receives a variation pattern designation command that designates a variation pattern with a variation time of 45,000 ms or more (see FIG. 9).

In the high base state (low probability high base state or high probability high base state), a specific variable performance pattern is set in the variable performance start process (S4402) described above (S4505), a variable performance start command for starting a variable performance based on the specific variable performance pattern is set in the sub-output buffer (S4506), and when that command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), a variable performance based on the specific variable performance pattern is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. The flow of this variable performance (performance display) is explained using Figures 54 and 55. Note that in these figures, in order to avoid complicating the explanation, various images displayed on the display screen 7a other than the performance pattern 8 are omitted.

When a variable performance based on a specific variable performance pattern begins, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R begin to display a variable display on the display screen 7a. After that, as shown in FIG. 54(A), the left performance symbol 8L and the right performance symbol 8R stop (temporarily stop) as the same symbol in the even group, and a reach is established. The figure shows a case where "symbol 4D" is stopped (temporarily stop) as the reach symbol. At this time (when the reach is established), the stop display mode (reach symbol type) of the left performance symbol 8L and the right performance symbol 8R is a stop display mode that indicates the possibility of a V non-passing scheduled jackpot. This stop display mode is an example of the "first stop display mode".

Next, after the reach is established, as shown in FIG. 54(B), while the center performance pattern 8C continues to change, the left and right number patterns 801, 801 of the left and right performance patterns 8L and 8R that make up the reach pattern change. At this time, the left and right character patterns 802, 802 do not change and remain stationary (remaining as character "D"). After the change, the number patterns 801, 801 stop and display at "7" as shown in FIG. 54(C). As a result, the left and right number patterns 801, 801 change from "4" (even number) to "7" (odd number). At this time, the number corresponding to the character "D" is originally "4", but since the number has changed to "7", the correspondence between the number pattern 801 and the character pattern 802 has been destroyed.

In order to make the correspondence normal, this time, as shown in FIG. 55(A), the left and right character patterns 802, 802 of the left performance pattern 8L and right performance pattern 8R that constitute the reach pattern are displayed in a variable manner. At this time, the left and right number patterns 801, 801 do not change and remain stationary (remaining at "7"). Then, the character patterns 802, 802 after the change are displayed as a character "G" as shown in FIG. 55(B). As a result, the left and right character patterns 802, 802 change from the character "D" (unhappy face) to the character "G" (smiling face). This character "G" is originally a character that corresponds to the number "7". As a result, the left and right performance patterns 8L and 8R that constitute the reach pattern each become "pattern 7G" of the odd group, and the stop display mode (reach pattern type) becomes a stop display mode that indicates the possibility of a V-passing scheduled jackpot. This stop display mode is an example of the "second stop display mode".

In this way, after a reach is achieved in the variable performance, the variable and stationary display of the number symbols included in the reach symbol and the variable and stationary display of the character symbols included in the reach symbol are executed with a time lag (in stages), so that the stationary display mode of the reach symbol (reach symbol type) changes (is changed).

After the stop display mode of the reach pattern has changed (after the stop pattern change performance), as shown in FIG. 55(C), the performance pattern 8 in the reach state moves to a specific position (e.g., upper left) on the display screen 7a and is displayed small, and the SP (Super) reach performance is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a. Then, after the SP reach performance, the performance pattern 8 is displayed stopped (confirmed stop) in a jackpot mode (specific mode) or miss mode (non-specific mode), and the variable performance ends.

As explained in the first embodiment above, the SP reach effect is a game effect that has a higher probability of resulting in a jackpot (high expectation of a jackpot) than the normal reach effect. In this embodiment, the normal reach effect is an example of a "predetermined effect," and the SP reach effect is an example of a "specific effect."

[Effects of Example 2]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, in the variable performance executed during the high base state, the pattern composed of the number pattern 801 (first pattern element) and the character pattern 802 (second pattern element) can be displayed as the left performance pattern 8L, the center performance pattern 8C, and the right performance pattern 8R (see FIG. 53). Then, among the left, center, and right performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (multiple patterns) that are displayed in a variable performance based on a specific variable performance pattern, the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R are displayed as the same pattern (temporarily stopped) to reach the winning position, and then the two left and right number patterns 801 and 801 included in the stopped performance pattern (stop pattern) are displayed as a variable and stopped pattern, so that the display mode of the number patterns 801 and 801 changes to a mode different from that when the winning position is reached (see FIG. 54 (A) to (C)). Next, the character symbols 802, 802 corresponding to the number symbols 801, 801 whose display mode has changed are displayed variably, and then are displayed stationary. At this time, the character symbols 802, 802 are displayed stationary in a display mode corresponding to the number symbols 801, 801 whose display mode has changed. Therefore, the display mode of the character symbols 802, 802 also changes to a mode different from that when a reach is achieved (see FIG. 55 (A)-(B)).

In this way, after the variable performance starts, the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R stop (temporarily stop) at the same pattern and a reach is established, and then the number patterns 801, 801 and character patterns 802, 802 included in the stopped and displayed patterns (reach patterns) change (partially) independently with a time difference (gradually) and then stop and display, so that the stopped display mode (reach pattern type) of the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R that make up the reach pattern differs before (previous stopped display mode) and after (later stopped display mode) the display mode of the number patterns and character patterns changes. For this reason, when a performance pattern stops in a variable performance, if a change occurs in the display mode of the number patterns and character patterns that make up the stopped and displayed performance pattern (stop pattern), the stop display mode of the performance pattern that was once stopped and displayed will change. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest not only in the performance patterns that are displayed in a variable manner and then stopped, but also in the changes in the display mode of the pattern elements of the stopped performance patterns (stopping patterns), which in turn makes it possible to increase the excitement of the variable performance.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R are displayed stopped (temporarily stopped) in the variable performance and a reach is established, the stop display mode (reach pattern type) of the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R (reach pattern) can be a stop display mode (first stop display mode) with an even group of patterns (reach patterns) and a stop display mode (second stop display mode) with an odd group of patterns (reach patterns), with the latter being a stop display mode that is more advantageous to the player than the former. This is because the latter is a stop display mode that constitutes a jackpot mode related to a V-passing scheduled jackpot, and there is a possibility that it will be a jackpot that is premised on the occurrence of a high probability state.

When the display mode of the reach pattern changes due to a change in the display mode of the number pattern and character pattern included in the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R that constitute the reach pattern, that is, when a variable performance including a stop pattern change performance is executed, the stop display mode before the change becomes a stop display mode (first stop display mode) with the even group of patterns, and the stop display mode after the change becomes a stop display mode (second stop display mode) with the odd group of patterns. Therefore, even if the stop display mode at the time of the reach is the first stop display mode (non-probability variable reach) with a relatively low advantage, when a change occurs in the display mode of the number pattern and character pattern included in the reach pattern that constitutes the first stop display mode, the stop display mode of the reach pattern will change (be promoted) to the second stop display mode (probability variable reach) with a relatively high advantage. This makes it possible to effectively increase the player's interest and expectations in the change in the display mode of the pattern elements included in the performance patterns that constitute the reach pattern.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, in the variable performance corresponding to the jackpot fluctuation, the stop display mode of the performance patterns 8L, 8C, 8R (multiple patterns) that are displayed after the variable display becomes the jackpot mode (specific mode). During the execution of the variable performance, the SP reach performance (specific performance) with a higher jackpot expectation rate than the normal reach performance (predetermined performance) can be executed, and when the display mode of the first and second pattern elements included in the left performance pattern 8L and the right performance pattern 8R that constitute the reach pattern changes, the SP reach performance is executed after the change. Therefore, when a reach is established in the variable performance, if the display mode of the number pattern and character pattern included in the reach pattern changes and the SP reach performance is executed, the jackpot expectation rate of the variable performance increases. This makes it possible to increase the player's interest and expectation in the execution of the SP reach performance triggered by the change in the display mode of the pattern elements included in the performance patterns that constitute the reach pattern.

In the above-mentioned Example 2, the performance pattern consisting of a number pattern and a character pattern is displayed in the high base state, but it may also be displayed in the low base state. Also, the configuration of the performance pattern may differ (change) depending on the performance mode rather than the game state. For example, if there are multiple performance modes in one game state (e.g., a low probability low base state), a performance pattern including a number pattern and a character pattern similar to that of Example 2 may be displayed in one of the performance modes, and a performance pattern similar to that of Example 1 may be displayed in the other performance modes. In this way, the variety of performance patterns can be increased to add variety to the appearance of the variable performance, making it possible to prevent players from getting bored.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the variable performance based on the specific variable performance pattern (variable performance including the stop pattern change performance) can be executed in the high base state, but it may be executed in the low base state. In this way, it is possible to increase the interest of the game in the low base state.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the stop symbol change effect was followed by an SP reach effect, but it may be possible to have the effect develop into an SP reach effect or not. This makes it possible to diversify the variable effects, including the stop symbol change effect.

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, a presentation pattern including a number pattern and a character pattern is displayed, but the pattern elements that make up the presentation pattern may be elements other than numbers and characters, as long as they are elements that the player can identify (distinguish). Furthermore, the pattern elements that make up the presentation pattern may be three or more elements (for example, a number pattern, a character pattern, and an item pattern).

In the above-mentioned second embodiment, when two of the three performance symbols are displayed in a stopped state (temporarily stopped) and a reach is established, a performance is executed in which the stopped display mode of the reach symbols is changed during the reach performance (stopped symbol change performance), but it may be configured to execute a stopped symbol change performance after the three performance symbols are displayed in a stopped state (temporarily stopped). Other forms of this configuration example will be described.

Specifically, for example, it displays a performance pattern including a number pattern and a character pattern similar to that of the above-mentioned Example 2, and as a variable performance pattern, when the left, center, and right performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R stop (temporarily stop) on a specific number, it has a pattern (also called "other specific variable performance pattern") that develops into a high expectation performance (specific performance) such as an SP reach performance or an advanced performance that has a higher expectation of a jackpot compared to a normal reach performance (predetermined performance), and the specific number that triggers the development into a high expectation performance is a combination of numbers included in the performance pattern such as "112" or "223", where the left and center have the same number and the right has +1 to that number.

In this case, when a variable performance based on another specific variable performance pattern is executed, the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start to display on the display screen 7a, and then they are displayed as a complete scatter (temporarily stopped) as shown in FIG. 56(A). In FIG. 56(A), the combination of "symbol 1A, symbol 2B, and symbol 5E" is shown as a complete scatter.

After that, as shown in Fig. 56(B), the left, center, and right character patterns 802, 802, 802 included in the performance patterns 8L, 8C, 8R start to change, and then, as shown in Fig. 56(C), the left, center, and right number patterns 801, 801, 801 included in the performance patterns 8L, 8C, 8R start to change. After that, as shown in Fig. 56(D), the left and center character patterns 802, 802 stop to display the character "A" and the right character pattern 802 stops to display the character "B", while the left and center number patterns 801, 801 stop to display the "1" corresponding to the character "A" and the right number pattern 801 stops to display the "2" corresponding to the character "B", respectively, and a specific result is displayed. In Fig. 56(D), the combination of "Pattern 1A, Pattern 1A, Pattern 2B" is shown as a specific result. After a specific result is displayed, a high expectation effect is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a.

In this other form, after the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R are temporarily displayed as completely random numbers, the character symbols are changed and stopped, and the number symbols are changed and stopped in a stepwise manner, so that the display mode of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is changed (modified) from the initial completely random numbers (first stop display mode) to a specific number (second stop display mode) that triggers the execution of a high expectation effect. In other words, after the three effect symbols are displayed as stopped (temporarily stopped), a stop pattern change effect is executed. In this other form, as in Example 2, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the change in the display mode of the pattern elements of the stopped effect symbols (stop patterns), and increase the excitement of the variable effect.

In addition, in other embodiments, the number design 801 is an example of a "second design element," and the character design 802 is an example of a "first design element."

Although Examples 1, 2 and other embodiments of the present invention have been described above as embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope of each claim, and is within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can easily replace, and it is possible to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art would normally have.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is applied to a V-guaranteed machine that determines whether to activate the probability fluctuation function based on whether the game ball passes (V-pass) a specific area in the second large winning port 35 (V attacker) during a big win game, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a type 1 pachinko game machine (a so-called "pattern probability variable machine") that determines whether to activate the probability fluctuation function based on the type of big win pattern. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a type 1/type 2 pachinko game machine that has a specific area (V area) in the big win port that can be entered when the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a small hit, and when the game ball that enters the big win port passes (V-pass) the specific area during a small hit game, it becomes a big win, and a big win game is executed.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a type of pachinko game machine that is controlled to a high probability state until the next big win occurs by setting the probability counter to "10,000", but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a type of pachinko game machine (so-called "ST machine") in which the high probability state ends when the number of special chart fluctuation displays after the end of the big win game reaches a predetermined number by setting a value (such as "100" or "200") that can end the high probability state without the next big win occurring in the probability counter. Alternatively, the present invention can be applied to a type of pachinko game machine (so-called "fall lottery machine") in which a lottery is held to determine whether or not to end the high probability state each time the special chart fluctuation display starts in the high probability state (so-called "fall lottery").

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a game bonus is given to the player by generating a high probability state based on the game ball passing through a specific area in a V-round during a jackpot game, but the bonus in this invention is not limited to the occurrence of a high probability state. For example, the content (type) of the bonus is not important as long as it gives some kind of benefit to the player, such as a high base state that increases the frequency with which the game ball enters the starting hole, or a fluctuation time reduction state (time reduction state) that makes the fluctuation time of the identification information shorter than usual. In addition, the bonus may give one bonus or multiple bonuses based on the game ball passing through a specific area.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, a control process (so-called "special pattern 2 priority change") was adopted in which the second special pattern reserved (display of the change of the second special pattern) is consumed in priority to the first special pattern reserved (display of the change of the first special pattern), but this is not limited to this, and a control process (so-called "special pattern 1 priority change") may be used in which the first special pattern reserved is consumed in priority to the second special pattern reserved. Alternatively, a control process (so-called "ball entry order (storage order) change") may be used in which the first special pattern reserved and the second special pattern reserved are consumed in order of the oldest memory, without setting a priority between the consumption of the first special pattern reserved and the consumption of the second special pattern reserved. Also, a control process (so-called "special pattern 1, 2 simultaneous change") may be adopted in which the display of the change of the first special pattern and the display of the change of the second special pattern (the consumption of the first special pattern reserved and the consumption of the second special pattern reserved) are executed in parallel.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the latest acquired random number value (acquired information) stored in the special drawing reservation memory unit is read out and the read acquired random number value (acquired information) is judged (pre-judgment) for the pre-judgment based on the start ball entry (see the processing at the time of the start ball entry (S209), FIG. 11, FIG. 37, etc.), but the method of pre-judgment is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the special drawing reservation memory unit, an area (acquired information storage means) for storing the acquired information to be the subject of the pre-judgment (i.e., the acquired information acquired based on the start ball entry) may be provided in the RAM of the main control unit or the sub-control unit, and the acquired information stored in the storage area (pre-judgment storage unit) may be judged (pre-judgment). In this case, it is also possible to erase the acquired information used for the pre-judgment (acquired information stored in another storage area) by storing the result of the pre-judgment in the RAM of the main control unit or the sub-control unit. Alternatively, instead of pre-judging the acquired information stored in the special drawing reservation memory unit, a pre-judgment may be made for the acquired information acquired based on the start ball entry. In other words, a pre-judgment may be made before storing the acquired information in the special drawing reservation memory unit. In this case, there is no need to provide an area for storing the acquired information that is the subject of the pre-determination, separate from the special drawing reservation memory unit, nor is there any need to read out the acquired information stored in the special drawing reservation memory unit for the pre-determination.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the probability of winning can be set to low (first probability) or high (second probability) by deactivating or activating the probability fluctuation function, but the types (number) of the probability of winning are not limited to this, and it may be possible to set three or more types of probabilities, such as a medium probability (third probability) that is higher than the low probability (first probability) and lower than the high probability (second probability). Furthermore, it may be possible to provide a plurality of types of probability conditions that define the relationship between low and high probabilities, such as a first low probability and a first high probability (first probability condition), a second low probability and a second high probability (second probability condition), and a third low probability and a third high probability (third probability condition), and any of the plurality of types of probability conditions may be arbitrarily set (selected) when the gaming machine is turned on, for example.

[others]
Hereinafter, inventions related to the embodiments (examples, other aspects) disclosed in this specification will be disclosed as reference inventions.

(Reference Invention 1)
Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine that is equipped with a display means for displaying a variable representation of identification information, and that allows a player to execute a special game advantageous to the player based on the display result of the variable representation becoming a specific display result (see, for example, JP 2008-370 A). In this type of gaming machine, the display result of the variable representation is notified to the player by the display mode of the identification information that is displayed as a static display (derived display) after the variable display. Therefore, the player will proceed with the game while paying attention to the identification information displayed on the display means.

In the above-mentioned type of gaming machine, the focus of the game is on changing the display of the identification information in an attempt to execute a special game, but if the display of the identification information changes repeatedly without the special game being executed, the player may lose interest in the game and become less interested in the game.

The present reference invention 1 was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can maintain the interest of the player as the display of the identification information changes repeatedly.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is as follows:
A variable game execution means capable of executing a variable game in which the identification information is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped;
a special game execution means for executing a special game in which a predetermined benefit can be given to a player based on the identification information being stopped and displayed in a specific manner in the variable game;
A mode setting means capable of setting the variable game mode;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance,
the mode setting means is capable of setting a first mode or a second mode as the mode,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a predetermined performance when the identification information is stopped and displayed in a non-specific manner in the variable game,
The predetermined performance includes a first predetermined performance which can be executed when the first mode is set, and a second predetermined performance which can be executed when the second mode is set.

According to such a gaming machine, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner in a variable game executed when the first mode is set, a first predetermined effect can be executed at the time of the stopped display. Also, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner in a variable game executed when the second mode is set, a second predetermined effect different from the first predetermined effect can be executed at the time of the stopped display. Therefore, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner in a variable game, an effect (first predetermined effect or second predetermined effect) of a form corresponding to the mode of the variable game at that time can appear. As a result, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the effect when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner while the variable game is repeated, and to maintain the player's interest in the game.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 described above,
The effect execution means is characterized in that it is capable of executing the first predetermined effect or the second predetermined effect during the period from when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner to when a predetermined stop display period has elapsed during the variable game.

According to such a gaming machine, when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner during variable play, the first or second predetermined presentation can be executed during the period in which the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest during the period in which the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner. This makes it possible to increase the excitement of the player when the identification information is displayed in a non-specific manner.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 described above,
The effect execution means is characterized in that it is capable of continuing to execute the first predetermined effect or the second predetermined effect even after the stop display period has elapsed and the next variable game has started.

According to such a gaming machine, if a predetermined effect (first predetermined effect or second predetermined effect) is executed during a non-specific mode of stopped display period, the predetermined effect can be continued even after the stopped display period has elapsed and the next variable play has started. Therefore, the predetermined effect is executed across the next variable play. This makes it easier to recognize the execution of the predetermined effect (first predetermined effect or second predetermined effect).

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is any one of the gaming machines of Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-3 described above,
The first mode and the second mode are modes that can be set after the special game ends,
the second mode being more advantageous to the player than the first mode;
The effect execution means is characterized in that it is capable of executing a similar mode effect during the set mode in either the case where the first mode is set or the case where the second mode is set, and is capable of executing the first predetermined effect or the second predetermined effect during the execution period of the mode effect.

According to such a gaming machine, the first mode or the second mode is set as the mode of the variable play after the special play ends, with the second mode being considered to be more advantageous to the player. The same mode presentation is executed whether the first mode or the second mode is set, and the above-mentioned first predetermined presentation or second predetermined presentation can be executed during the execution period of the mode presentation. Therefore, although the player cannot tell from the mode presentation whether the mode of the variable play after the special play ends is set to the first mode or the second mode, the player can tell the mode that is set at that time through the presentation (predetermined presentation) when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner. This makes it possible to increase the interest when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner in the variable play after the special play ends.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 described above,
The effect execution means is capable of executing the first predetermined effect in a manner suggesting the possibility that the second mode has been set during a period in which the mode effect is being executed.

With this type of gaming machine, when the first predetermined performance is executed during the execution period of the mode performance, the state (content) of the first predetermined performance can suggest the possibility of setting the second mode. This allows the player to guess the currently set variable game mode through the first predetermined performance. This makes it possible to further increase the excitement when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific state.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-6 is any one of the gaming machines of Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-5 described above,
an acquired information storage means capable of storing acquired information acquired based on the establishment of a predetermined condition;
The variable game execution means is capable of executing the variable game based on the acquired information,
The first predetermined effect and the second predetermined effect are effects that give suggestions regarding the acquired information stored in the acquired information storage means.

With such a gaming machine, acquired information obtained when a predetermined condition is met is stored, and variable play is executed based on the acquired information. The aforementioned first and second predetermined effects function as effects that give suggestions regarding the stored acquired information. Therefore, through the effect (predetermined effect) when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner, it is possible to give suggestions regarding variable play based on the acquired information stored at that time. This makes it possible to increase interest when the identification information is displayed stopped in a non-specific manner.

According to the above-mentioned reference invention 1, it is possible to maintain the interest of the game as the changing display of the identification information is repeated.

(Reference Invention 2)
Conventionally, there is widely known a gaming machine that can execute a special game in which a player can be awarded a predetermined benefit when a result of a win/loss determination executed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is a specific result. In this type of gaming machine, a variable performance is generally executed in which a plurality of symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the result of the win/loss determination (for example, see JP 2009-95470 A).

However, variable presentations based on the results of win/lose determinations tend to be uniform in appearance, and there is room for further improvement in order to increase the interest of gaming machines that offer variable presentations.

This reference invention 2 was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of variable presentations.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is as follows:
A gaming machine that allows a player to play a special game that can provide a player with a predetermined benefit when a result of a win/loss determination executed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is a specific result,
A display means capable of displaying a plurality of patterns;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a variable performance in which the plurality of symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the result of the winning/losing determination,
The pattern is configured to include at least a first pattern element and a second pattern element,
In the variable performance, when the display mode of the first pattern element included in the stopped and displayed pattern among the plurality of patterns changes, the display mode of the second pattern element included in the stopped and displayed pattern changes,
The display mode of the stopped displayed pattern before the display mode of the first pattern element and the second pattern element changes is different from the display mode of the stopped displayed pattern after the display mode of the first pattern element and the second pattern element changes.

According to such a gaming machine, in the variable performance executed based on the result of the win/loss judgment, when the display mode of the first pattern element included in the pattern (also called "stop pattern") that is stopped and displayed among the multiple patterns changes, the display mode of the second pattern element included in the stopped pattern also changes. The stop display mode of the stopped pattern before the display mode of the first pattern element and the second pattern element changes (also called "previous stop display mode") is configured to be different from the stop display mode of the stopped pattern after the display mode of the first pattern element and the second pattern element changes (also called "later stop display mode"). Therefore, when a pattern is stopped and displayed in the variable performance, if a change occurs in the display mode of the pattern element included in the stopped pattern, the stop display mode of the pattern that was once stopped and displayed will change. This makes it possible to attract the player's interest not only in the pattern that is stopped and displayed after the variable display, but also in the change in the display mode of the pattern element included in that pattern (stop pattern), which in turn makes it possible to increase the interest of the variable performance.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 described above,
The stop display mode includes a first stop display mode and a second stop display mode which is more advantageous to a player than the first stop display mode,
The stop display mode of the stopped symbols before the display mode of the first symbol element and the second symbol element is changed is the first stop display mode,
The display mode of the stopped symbols displayed after the display modes of the first symbol element and the second symbol element have changed is the second display mode.

According to such a gaming machine, the stop display mode of the symbols stopped and displayed in the variable performance includes a first stop display mode and a second stop display mode, and the second stop display mode is more advantageous to the player than the first stop display mode. When the stop display mode of the stopped symbols changes due to a change in the display mode of the first and second symbol elements, the stop display mode before the change becomes the first stop display mode, and the stop display mode after the change becomes the second stop display mode. Therefore, even if the stop display mode of the symbols stopped and displayed in the variable performance is the first stop display mode, when a change occurs in the display mode of the symbol elements included in the stopped symbols constituting the first stop display mode, it will change to the second stop display mode, which is more advantageous than the first stop display mode. This makes it possible to effectively increase the interest and expectations of the player in the change in the display mode of the symbol elements included in the stopped symbols.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or 2-2 described above,
A specific mode is provided as a stop display mode of the plurality of symbols when the plurality of symbols are displayed in a variable manner and then stopped on the basis that the result of the win/loss determination is the specific result,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a specific performance during the variable performance, the specific performance having a higher expectation that the stop display mode of the plurality of symbols will become the specific mode than a predetermined performance,
The specific performance may be executed after the display mode of the first pattern element and the second pattern element has changed.

According to such a gaming machine, in a variable performance that is executed based on the result of the win/loss judgment being a specific result, the stop display mode of the multiple symbols that are stopped and displayed after the variable display becomes a specific mode. Then, during the execution of the variable performance, a specific performance can be executed in which the expectation that the stop display mode of the multiple symbols will become a specific mode is higher than in a predetermined performance, and when the display mode of the first and second symbol elements included in the symbols stopped and displayed in the variable performance changes, a specific performance can be executed after the change. Therefore, when a symbol is stopped and displayed in the variable performance, if a change occurs in the display mode of the symbol elements included in the stopped symbol and a specific performance is executed, the expectation of a special game increases. This makes it possible to increase the player's interest and expectation in the execution of a specific performance triggered by a change in the display mode of the symbol elements included in the stopped symbol.

According to the above-mentioned reference invention 2, it is possible to increase the interest of the changing performance.

(Reference Invention 3)
Conventionally, there is known a gaming machine in which a game ball is shot toward a game area formed on a game board to play a game, and the shooting direction of the game ball is changed depending on the game state. In this type of gaming machine, when the game state changes, it is common for the player to be instructed on the shooting direction of the game ball according to the game state after the change (for example, see JP 2007-252630 A).

Today's gaming machines have increasingly complex effects and gameplay that occur during play, making it difficult for players who are not familiar with the game to understand which area of the play area the game ball should be fired into, which can reduce interest.

The present reference invention 3 was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide an amusement machine that can prevent a decline in interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 is as follows:
A gaming machine in which a game is played by shooting a game ball toward a game area,
A variable game execution means capable of executing a variable game in which the identification information is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped;
A special game execution means for executing a special game in which a game ball is inserted into a special ball entrance based on the identification information being stopped and displayed in a specific manner in the variable game;
an opening period setting means for setting a predetermined opening period at the start of the special game;
and an instruction notification execution means capable of executing an instruction notification to instruct a player to launch a game ball toward a predetermined area of the game area,
The special ball entrance is configured so that a game ball shot toward the predetermined area can enter the special ball entrance,
The instruction notification execution means is characterized in that, when the symbol information is stopped and displayed in the specific mode in the variable game, it executes the instruction notification before the start of the opening period.

According to such a gaming machine, when the identification information is displayed in a specific manner in a variable game and a special game is executed, an instruction notification is issued to the player to shoot a game ball toward a predetermined area in the game area before the start of the opening period set at the start of the special game. The special game is a game in which a game ball is inserted into a special ball entrance, and the special ball entrance is configured so that a game ball fired toward the predetermined area in the game area can enter the game ball. For this reason, by issuing an instruction notification before the start of the opening period of the special game, the player can recognize that he or she should fire a game ball toward the predetermined area at an early stage before the start of the special game, and can deal with the ball entering the special ball entrance. This allows the game ball to be fired appropriately in time with the start of the special game, making it possible to prevent a decline in interest.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 described above,
The instruction notification execution means executes the instruction notification even after the opening period ends.

With this type of gaming machine, the instruction to launch the gaming ball toward a specific area is given not only before the opening period starts, but also after the opening period ends. This makes it possible to continuously encourage the appropriate launch of the gaming ball.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-2 described above,
The present invention is characterized in that a mode of the instruction notification executed before the start of the opening period is different from a mode of the instruction notification executed after the end of the opening period.

With this type of gaming machine, the manner in which the instruction notification is executed before the opening period begins differs from the manner in which the instruction notification is executed after the opening period ends, making it possible to vary the instruction notification from before the opening period begins (before the special game begins) to after the opening period ends (during the special game). This makes it possible to issue instruction notifications according to the game situation.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-4 is any one of the gaming machines of Reference Inventions 3-1 to 3-3 described above,
The instruction notification execution means is characterized in that, when the symbol information is displayed in a stopped state in the specific mode during the variable game, it executes the instruction notification during the stopped display period.

With this type of gaming machine, when the identification information is displayed in a specific manner in a variable game, an instruction notification is executed during the period of the display. This makes it possible for the player to recognize that a gaming ball should be launched toward a specific area from the moment the identification information is displayed in a specific manner.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-5 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-4 described above,
The game area is provided with a variable starting hole that can change the possibility of a game ball entering the game area,
The variable game execution means is capable of executing the variable game based on the entry of a game ball into the variable start port,
The game state in which the variable game can be executed includes a first game state and a second game state,
The second gaming state is a gaming state in which a frequency of game balls entering the variable starting hole is higher than that of the first gaming state,
The display period is different between when the identification information is displayed stopped in the specific manner in the variable game executed in the first game state and when the identification information is displayed stopped in the specific manner in the variable game executed in the second game state.

According to this type of gaming machine, there is a first gaming state in which the frequency of game balls entering the variable start port, which is the trigger for the execution of a variable game, is relatively low, and a second gaming state in which the frequency is relatively high, and the stopped display period is different when the identification information is displayed stopped in a specific manner in the first gaming state and when the identification information is displayed stopped in a specific manner in the second gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to vary the execution period and execution timing of the instruction notification depending on the gaming state when the identification information is displayed stopped in a specific manner. This makes it possible to issue an instruction notification according to the gaming state.

According to the above-mentioned reference invention 3, it is possible to prevent the loss of interest.

1 Pachinko game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Play area, 3A Left play area, 3B Right play area, 4 Rail member, 5 Board lamp, 7 Image display device, 7a Display screen, 7b Performance pattern display area (performance pattern display section), 8 Performance pattern, 9a First performance hold, 9b Second performance hold, 10 Center decoration, 16 Game nail, 19 Fixed winning device, 20 First start hole, 21 Second start hole, 22 Variable winning device, 23 Opening and closing member, 30 First large winning hole, 31 First large winning device, 32 Opening and closing member, 35 Second large winning hole (V attacker), 36 Second large winning device, 37 Opening and closing member, 39 Specific area, 40 Main display, 41a First special pattern display (first special pattern display section), 41b Second special symbol display (second special symbol display section), 50 gaming machine frame, 51 front frame, 52 main body frame, 53 outer frame, 60 launch handle, 63a first effect button, 63b second effect button, 66 frame lamp, 67 speaker, 80 main control board (main control section), 90 sub control board (sub control section), 100 image control board (image control section), 150 moving piece, 701 image (remaining number of changes image), 702 image (right hit instruction image), 703 (left hit instruction image), 801 number pattern, 802 character pattern, 901 image (ally character image), 902 image (enemy character image), 903 image (remaining number of people image), 904 image (enemy character image), 905 image (battle mode end notification image), 906 image (probability change suggestion image).

Claims (1)

A gaming machine that allows a player to play a special game that can provide a player with a predetermined benefit when a result of a win/loss determination executed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is a specific result,
A display means capable of displaying a plurality of patterns;
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance,
The design includes a number design element and a character design element,
The performance execution means includes:
Based on the result of the hit/miss determination , a variation effect in which the plurality of symbols are displayed in a varying manner and then stopped , a first reach effect, and a second reach effect in which it is easier to notify that the result of the hit/miss determination is the specific result than the first reach effect, are executable.
During the period from the start to the end of one of the variable performances executed based on the result of the win/loss determination, a variable performance can be executed in which the display mode of one of the number pattern elements and the character pattern elements included in a stopped pattern that has been stopped and displayed as a reach pattern after a variable display among the multiple patterns changes, and then the display mode of the other pattern element changes;
The change performance is a performance executed using a stopped pattern that is stopped and displayed as the reach pattern in a state where some of the plurality of patterns are not stopped and displayed,
In the change performance, the stop display mode of the stop pattern before the display mode of the number pattern element and the character pattern element changes and the stop display mode of the stop pattern after the display mode of the number pattern element and the character pattern element changes are different from each other ,
The performance execution means includes:
A gaming machine characterized in that , when executing the change presentation, both the change presentation and the second reach presentation can be executed .

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