JP7582682B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Conventionally, some pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, have multiple modes related to presentation, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, and are configured to be able to change the type of presentation executed in the special game in each gaming state by controlling the machine to a different mode depending on the gaming state.

JP 2013-215302 A

However, in such gaming machines, there is a risk that the presentation will become monotonous because the same mode is used in each game state, and it is desirable to improve mode control in order to increase interest in the game.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine capable of suspending execution of a variable game, the gaming machine comprising: a performance execution means capable of executing a performance, a performance control means for controlling the performance execution means, and a detection means, the performance control means being capable of controlling a mode related to the performance, and being capable of determining in advance the mode to be controlled when the suspended variable game is executed, and being capable of controlling the performance execution means so that a performance is executed according to the controlled mode, and when the mode is determined in advance, when a specific condition is established, one of the multiple modes is determined, and the performance execution means is capable of executing a specific notification that suggests or notifies information that can identify the previously determined mode, and the information that can identify the mode includes information regarding the performance content in the variable game executed when controlled to the mode, and when the mode to be controlled when the suspended variable game is executed is determined in advance, the specific notification is executed, and in a situation where there are multiple suspended variable games, among the multiple suspended variable games, any two consecutive variable games can be controlled to different modes, and the performance execution means is capable of executing a specific notification that suggests or notifies information that can identify the previously determined mode, and the information that can identify the mode includes information regarding the performance content in the variable game executed when controlled to the mode, and when the mode to be controlled when the suspended variable game is executed is determined in advance, A special notification different from a regular notification can be executed, and in the special notification, information regarding the presentation in the variable game being executed is suggested or notified, and the special notification may be started during execution of the specific notification, and the specific notification is limited in a situation in which the special notification is executed, and the specific condition can be established in response to detection by the detection means, the detection means includes first detection means and second detection means, and the presentation control means determines in advance the mode due to the specific condition being established, when the specific condition is established in response to detection by the first detection means and when the specific condition is established in response to detection by the second detection means, The gist of the invention is that, in a case where the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the detection means, different modes can be determined depending on whether the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the first detection means or the second detection means, and the modes include a first mode and a second mode, and when the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the first detection means, the second mode is not determined and the first mode can be determined, and when the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the second detection means, the first mode is not determined and the second mode can be determined .

The present invention can increase interest in games.

1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a distribution start unit. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine; FIG. 13 is a diagram showing types of fluctuation patterns. 13 is a flowchart showing a special symbol input process. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing types of rendering modes. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing for pre-determining a presentation mode. 11A to 11D are diagrams showing an example in which a rendering mode is determined in advance. 11A to 11D are diagrams showing an example in which a rendering mode is determined in advance. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of various notifications. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of various notifications. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of various notifications. 4 is a timing chart showing an example of various notifications.

Below, we will explain one embodiment embodied in a pachinko gaming machine. In the following explanation, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) refer to the respective directions as seen by the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine has a frame 11. The frame 11 is composed of an installation frame 12 for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to an island facility such as an amusement parlor, and a mounting frame 13 for mounting various gaming parts. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a gaming board YB. The gaming board YB is mounted on the mounting frame 13. The gaming board YB has a gaming area YBa on its front side, where gaming balls flow down. The gaming board YB has an opening window YBb in approximately the center when viewed from the front. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a launching handle HD. The launching handle HD is operated when shooting a gaming ball into the gaming area YBa.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA can perform various effects by emitting light from the light-emitting body. In the following description, the effects by emitting light from the light-emitting body are referred to as "light-emitting effects". Note that "illumination" in this specification includes turning on, blinking, and turning off. The decorative lamp LA is provided, for example, on the mounting frame 13 or the game board YB. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker SP. The speaker SP can perform various effects by outputting sound. In the following description, the effects by outputting sound are referred to as "audio effects". Note that "audio" in this specification includes human or animal voices, sound effects, and music. The speaker SP is provided, for example, on the mounting frame 13.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an up button UBT, a down button DBT, a left button LBT, and a right button RBT as operation means that can be operated by the player. The up button UBT, the down button DBT, the left button LBT, and the right button RBT are push buttons.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an information display device 14 capable of displaying predetermined information. The information display device 14 is provided in a position on the gaming board YB that is visible to the player.

The information display device 14 includes a first special symbol display section 14a and a second special symbol display section 14b as display sections capable of displaying a special game as a variable game in which symbols are changed. In the special game, a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner, and finally, a special symbol is displayed as a fixed stop. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a jackpot lottery, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the jackpot lottery includes a first jackpot lottery and a second jackpot lottery, and the special symbol includes a first special symbol for notifying the result of the first jackpot lottery and a second special symbol for notifying the result of the second jackpot lottery. The first special symbol display section 14a displays a special game in which the first special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop (hereinafter, referred to as the first special game). The second special symbol display section 14b displays a special game in which the second special symbol is finally displayed as a fixed stop (hereinafter, referred to as the second special game).

In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed pattern changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the pattern is fixedly displayed and the type of the displayed pattern does not change. With respect to the pattern, "fixed stop display" and "derive" have the same meaning. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously in parallel. The first special game and the second special game are executed in the order in which the reservation conditions are established. The special patterns include a jackpot pattern as a jackpot display result and a loss pattern as a loss display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a jackpot is won in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot pattern is derived in the special game, and the jackpot game is awarded after the special game for that jackpot is finished.

The information display device 14 includes a first special hold display section 14c and a second special hold display section 14d as display sections that display information that can identify the reserved number of the special game. The first special hold display section 14c displays information that can identify the reserved number of the first special game (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The second special hold display section 14d displays information that can identify the reserved number of the second special game (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). For example, the upper limit value of the first special hold number and the second special hold number is 4. In the following description, the upper limit value of the special hold number is referred to as the "reservation upper limit number". The information display device 14 includes a normal pattern display section 14e. The normal pattern display section 14e displays a normal game. In the normal game, a predetermined pattern is displayed in a variable manner, and finally, a normal pattern is displayed as a fixed stop. The normal pattern is a pattern for announcing the result of a normal lottery. The normal symbols include normal winning symbols as a normal winning display result, and normal losing symbols as a normal losing display result. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a normal winning is won in the normal lottery, the normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and after the normal game of the normal winning is over, the normal winning game is awarded. The information display device 14 includes a normal hold display section 14f. The normal hold display section 14f displays information that can identify the number of holds for the normal game (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number).

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH as an effect execution means capable of executing effects. The effect display device EH has an image display section GH as a display area capable of displaying images, and various effects can be executed by displaying images on the image display section GH. In the following explanation, effects by displaying images are referred to as "display effects". The image display section GH may be, for example, a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL panel. The effect display device EH is attached to the game board YB so that the image display section GH is visible through the opening window YBb of the game board YB when viewed from the front.

The effects in this embodiment include predetermined notifications that suggest or notify various types of information. In this embodiment, notifying the player of various types of information means enabling the player to definitively grasp the information to be notified, for example by clearly indicating the information to be notified. On the other hand, in this embodiment, suggesting various types of information means enabling the player to associate the information to be notified with the information to be notified, by conveying information related to the information to be notified. Specifically, examples of suggestions and notifications in this embodiment include the following:

In the mode notification described below, notifying information that can identify the type of presentation mode means, for example, allowing the type of presentation mode to be definitively understood, for example, by displaying a mode notification image MH on the image display unit GH that includes a character string that clearly indicates the type of presentation mode, such as "presentation mode MD1A."

In addition, in the mode change possible situation notification described below, suggesting information that can identify the "situation in which it is possible to win the pre-mode selection lottery" is to succinctly convey that an event may occur after winning the pre-mode selection lottery, and specifically, to display a notification image KKH imitating the string of characters "Mode change possible" on the image display unit GH.

In addition, in the mode determination notification described below, suggesting information that can identify "that you have won the pre-mode determination lottery" is to concisely communicate the events that will occur when you win the pre-mode determination lottery, and specifically, to output a notification sound KO saying, for example, "Mode determined" from the speaker SP.

In addition, in the SR performance development notification described below, notifying that "an SR performance will be executed while the special game is being played" is to allow the player to definitively understand that an SR performance will be executed while the special game is being played, for example, by displaying a development notification image SRH imitating the strings of characters "SR1 performance development" or "SR2 performance development" on the image display unit GH.

In this embodiment, the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP are each an example of a performance execution means that executes a performance. Furthermore, the performance display device EH is an example of a first performance execution means, and the speaker SP is an example of a second performance execution means and a specific performance execution means. Note that the performance execution means is not limited to including all of the performance display device EH, decorative lamp LA, and speaker SP, and may be composed of one or more performance devices that can be arbitrarily selected from among these.

The performance display device EH displays a performance game as one of the display performances. In the performance game, multiple rows of performance symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and ultimately a combination of performance symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The performance symbols (decorative symbols) are symbols decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are symbols for diversifying the display performance. As an example, the performance game of this embodiment is performed by displaying (scrolling) the performance symbols of the left symbol row, middle symbol row, and right symbol row in a variable manner in a predetermined direction.

The performance game starts and ends with the special game. In the performance game, a symbol combination is derived according to the special symbol derived in the special game. When a big win symbol is derived in the special game, the big win symbol combination is derived in the performance game. A big win symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in all columns are the same, such as "777." When a losing symbol is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination is derived in the performance game. An example of a losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in at least some columns are different from the performance symbols in the other columns, such as "778" or "787."

In the presentation game, a reach presentation may be executed. In other words, the presentation display device EH can execute a reach presentation as one of the presentations. The reach presentation is a presentation in which a reach is formed in the presentation game and a predetermined symbol combination is ultimately derived. A reach is a state in which the same presentation symbol is temporarily stopped and displayed in a predetermined number of symbol columns (two columns, the left symbol column and the right symbol column, in this embodiment), and the presentation symbol continues to be displayed in a variable manner in the remaining symbol columns (one column, the middle symbol column, in this embodiment). In this specification, a "temporary stop display" refers to a provisional stop state before the presentation symbol is displayed in a definite stop, such as a fluctuating display.

The reach effects of this embodiment include normal reach effects and super reach effects, which are specific reach effects that are developed by expanding on the content of the normal reach effects. The super reach effects of this embodiment also include a first super reach effect and a second super reach effect, which differs from the first super reach effect in the type of image displayed on the image display unit GH, the type of sound output from the speaker SP, and the light emission pattern of the decorative lamp LA. In other words, the first super reach effect and the second super reach effect are reach effects with different presentation styles. In this embodiment, the super reach effect is an effect that has a higher expectation of deriving a jackpot display result in the special game being played than the normal reach effect.

In the following description, the normal reach effect is referred to as the "NR effect", the first super reach effect is referred to as the "SR1 effect", and the second super reach effect is referred to as the "SR2 effect". The first super reach effect and the second super reach effect are collectively referred to simply as the "SR effect". In the following description, the expectation of the jackpot display result being derived (the expectation of a jackpot) is simply referred to as the "jackpot expectation". In this embodiment, the jackpot expectation can be calculated by calculating the ratio of the appearance rate of the effect that can identify the jackpot expectation in both the case where the special game is a jackpot and the case where the special game is a miss to the appearance rate of the effect that can identify the jackpot expectation in both the case where the special game is a jackpot. In this embodiment, when the jackpot display result is derived in the special game, the jackpot display result is also derived in the performance game, so the jackpot expectation in the special game can also be understood as the jackpot expectation in the performance game. In this embodiment, the effects that can identify the probability of a big win include specific sound effects, special light effects, SR effect development notifications, background images that are displayed in response to various effect modes, and music that is output.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a distribution start unit 15 below the performance display device EH on the game board YB. This distribution start unit 15 has a first start winning hole 16 and a second start winning hole 17, and is a unit that distributes game balls that enter from the ball entry hole 15a alternately between the first start winning hole 16 and the second start winning hole 17.

As shown in FIG. 3, the distribution start unit 15 is provided with a ball entrance 15a through which game balls can enter. The ball entrance 15a is always open so that game balls can enter. The game balls that enter the ball entrance 15a flow down the ball passage 15b provided in the distribution start unit 15, and are then alternately distributed to the first start winning port 16 and the second start winning port 17 by the distribution member 15c provided in the ball passage 15b. For example, the distribution member 15c is configured to displace between a first position where the game balls that enter the ball entrance 15a are distributed to one of the first start winning port 16 and the second start winning port 17, and a second position where the game balls that enter the ball entrance 15a are distributed to the other of the first start winning port 16 and the second start winning port 17, each time the game balls are distributed.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a first start winning sensor SE1 that detects a game ball that has entered the first start winning port 16 (shown in FIG. 4). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1, the reservation conditions for the first special game may be established, and the conditions for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls are also established. In this embodiment, the entry of a game ball into the first start winning port 16 is used as a trigger to obtain a special winning random number to be used in the first jackpot lottery.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a second start winning sensor SE2 that detects a game ball that has entered the second start winning port 17 (shown in FIG. 4). In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, the reservation conditions for the second special game may be established, and the conditions for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls are also established. In this embodiment, the entry of a game ball into the second start winning port 17 is used as a trigger to obtain a special winning random number to be used in the second jackpot lottery.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a third start winning hole 18 that opens into the game area YBa to the right of the distribution start unit 15 on the game board YB. The pachinko gaming machine 10 also has a first variable member 19 on the game board YB that can be operated into a permissive state (open state) and a restricted state (closed state). The permissive state is a state in which a game ball can be inserted into the third start winning hole 18 or is easy to insert. The restricted state is a state in which a game ball cannot be inserted into the third start winning hole 18. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a first actuator A1 that operates the first variable member 19 (shown in FIG. 4). The first variable member 19 is operated into the permissive state during normal winning play.

The pachinko game machine 10 also includes a third start winning sensor SE3 that detects a game ball that has entered the third start winning port 18 (as shown in FIG. 4). For example, the third start winning sensor SE3 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which the game ball that has entered the third start winning port 18 passes. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the third start winning sensor SE3, the reservation condition for the second special game may be established, and the payout condition for the prize ball is also established. In this embodiment, the special winning random number used in the second jackpot lottery is obtained when the game ball enters the third start winning port 18.

In this embodiment, the first start winning sensor SE1 corresponds to the first detection means. The second start winning sensor SE2 and the third start winning sensor SE3 correspond to the second detection means. In this embodiment, the reservation condition for the first special game can be established in response to the detection of the first start winning sensor SE1. The reservation condition for the second special game can be established in response to the detection of the second start winning sensor SE2 and the third start winning sensor SE3.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a large prize opening 20 that opens into the game area YBa on the game board YB, below and to the right of the performance display device EH. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a second variable member 21 on the game board YB that can be operated between a permissive state (open state) and a restricted state (closed state). The second variable member 21 is a so-called large prize opening door. The permissive state is a state in which a game ball can be entered into the large prize opening 20, or a state in which it is easy to enter the ball. The restricted state is a state in which a game ball cannot be entered into the large prize opening 20. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a second actuator A2 that operates the second variable member 21 (shown in FIG. 3). The second variable member 21 is operated into the permissive state during a jackpot game.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a count sensor SE4 that detects game balls that enter the large prize opening 20 (as shown in FIG. 4). For example, the count sensor SE4 is provided in a passage (not shown) through which game balls that enter the large prize opening 20 pass. In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the count sensor SE4, the conditions for paying out prize balls are met.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a gate 22 above the big prize opening 20 on the game board YB, through which the game ball can pass (enter). The gate 22 has a gate sensor SE5 that detects the game ball passing through the gate 22 (shown in FIG. 4). In this embodiment, when the game ball is detected by the gate sensor SE5, a reserve condition for the normal game can be established. Also, in this embodiment, the passage of the game ball through the gate 22 is used as a trigger to obtain a normal winning random number to be used in the normal lottery.

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function that varies the jackpot probability to a high probability, and a ball entry assistance function that assists game balls in entering the third start winning hole 18. The game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured by combining the operating states (operation and non-operation) of these functions.

The probability fluctuation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability fluctuation function) will be explained.
When the probability variable function is activated, the probability of winning a jackpot increases compared to when the probability variable function is not activated. Here, the probability of winning a jackpot is the probability of winning a jackpot in one jackpot lottery. In the following explanation, the state when the probability variable function is activated is referred to as a "high probability state," and the state when the probability variable function is not activated is referred to as a "low probability state." The high probability state is what is known as a "probability variable state (probability variable state)."

The goal-scoring assistance function will now be explained.
When the ball entry assist function is activated, the ball entry rate of the game ball into the third start winning hole 18 is increased compared to when the ball entry assist function is not activated, and the reservation condition of the second special game is easily established. For example, the ball entry assist function can be realized by executing one control that can be arbitrarily selected from the three auxiliary controls described below, or by executing a combination of multiple controls. The first auxiliary control is a control that shortens the variable time of the normal game compared to when the ball entry assist function is not activated. The second auxiliary control is a control that changes the normal winning probability in the normal lottery to a higher probability than when the ball entry assist function is not activated. The second auxiliary control may be a control that does not perform the normal lottery itself when the ball entry assist function is not activated, but performs the normal lottery with a predetermined winning probability when the ball entry assist function is activated. The third auxiliary control is a control that makes the total opening time of the first variable member 19 in one normal winning game longer than when the ball entry assist function is not activated. As the third auxiliary control, it is preferable to perform at least one of the following controls: a control for increasing the number of times the first variable member 19 is opened during one normal winning game compared to when the ball scoring assistance function is not activated; and a control for making the time for which the first variable member 19 is opened during one normal winning game longer than when the ball scoring assistance function is not activated.

In particular, in this embodiment, the ball entry rate of game balls into the third start winning port 18 when the ball entry assistance function is activated is configured to be higher than the ball entry rate of game balls into the ball entry port 15a of the distribution start unit 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ball entry assistance function is activated, the game is played with a gameplay in which game balls are mainly entered into the third start winning port 18 to execute the second special game. On the other hand, the ball entry rate of game balls into the third start winning port 18 when the ball entry assistance function is not activated is configured to be lower than the ball entry rate of game balls into the ball entry port 15a of the distribution start unit 15. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ball entry assistance function is not activated, the game is played with a gameplay in which game balls are mainly entered into the ball entry port 15a of the distribution start unit 15 to execute the first special game and the second special game alternately.

In addition, the ball-scoring assist function of this embodiment operates with a time-varying shortening function (hereinafter, referred to as the time-scoring function) described below. The time-scoring function is a function that shortens the time-varying (for example, average time-varying) of the special game. When the time-scoring function is activated, the time-varying of the special game becomes shorter compared to when the time-scoring function is not activated, thereby increasing the number of times that the special game can be substantially executed per unit time. In other words, the efficiency of consuming reserved special games is improved. Note that "the time-varying of the special game becomes shorter" does not necessarily mean that the time-varying of the special game becomes shorter when the time-scoring function is activated compared to when the time-scoring function is not activated, but may be shorter or longer, and the average time of the time-varying of the special game becomes shorter. In other words, when the time-scoring function is activated, the time-varying of the special game becomes shorter compared to when the time-scoring function is not activated. And the time-scoring function of this embodiment is deactivated when the ball-scoring assist function is deactivated. For this reason, in this embodiment, the time-scoring function operates together with the ball-scoring assist function and is deactivated together with the ball-scoring assist function. In the following explanation, the state when the goal-scoring assistance function and the time-saving function are activated is referred to as the "time-saving state," and the state when neither the goal-scoring assistance function nor the time-saving function is activated is referred to as the "non-time-saving state."

In this embodiment, there are a normal state and an advantageous state in the game state. The normal state is a game state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assistance function, and the time-saving function are all not activated. In other words, the normal state is a game state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assistance function, and the time-saving function are all activated. In other words, the advantageous state is a game state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assistance function, and the time-saving function are all activated. In other words, the advantageous state is a game state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assistance function, and the time-saving function are all activated. In other words, the advantageous state is a game state in which the probability change function, the ball entry assistance function, and the time-saving function are all activated. In other words, the advantageous state is a game state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state because the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal state and the ball entry rate of the game ball into the third start winning hole 18 is higher than in the normal state. In this embodiment, the normal state corresponds to the first game state, and the advantageous state corresponds to the second game state. In this embodiment, the variable time in which the special game is executed when in the advantageous state is a variable time that is likely to be shorter than the variable time in which the special game is executed when in the normal state.

Next, a jackpot in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a plurality of types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The plurality of types of jackpot symbols are each assigned a jackpot type. In other words, the type of jackpot symbol is also the type of jackpot. The jackpot symbols are classified into one or more types. As an example, in this embodiment, they are classified into two types: specific symbols and normal symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot).

In the jackpot game, a predetermined effect is first performed for a predetermined opening time. In this embodiment, for example, an opening effect that notifies the start of the jackpot game is performed as the predetermined effect. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game is performed in which the large prize entrance 20 is opened. The round game is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a first end condition is met in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter the ball, or a second end condition is met in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, a round effect is performed. Then, in the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined ending time. In this embodiment, for example, an ending effect that notifies the end of the jackpot game is performed as the predetermined effect. The jackpot game ends as the ending time elapses.

In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game state after the end of the jackpot game is controlled according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot). As an example, it is set that for a specific symbol, the game state is controlled to an advantageous state after the end of the jackpot game until the end of a special game with a predetermined number of operations, or until the next jackpot game is awarded. It is set that for a normal symbol, the game state is controlled to a normal state after the end of the jackpot game.

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 4, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a main control board 30 on the back side (rear side) of the game board YB. The main control board 30 performs various processes and outputs control signals (control commands) according to the results of the processes. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is also provided with a sub-control board 40 on the back side (rear side) of the game board YB. The sub-control board 40 and the main control board 30 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 30 to the sub-control board 40. The sub-control board 40 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main control board 30.

First, the main control board 30 will be described in detail.
The main control board 30 includes a main control CPU 31, a main control ROM 32, and a main control RAM 33. The main control CPU 31 executes a main control program to perform various processes. The main control ROM 32 stores the main control program and judgment values used in a predetermined lottery.

The main control ROM 32 also stores multiple types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can identify the fluctuation time from when the special game starts to when the special game ends. The fluctuation pattern may also be information that can identify some or all of the presentation content of the presentation game. For example, the fluctuation pattern is information that can identify whether or not a reach presentation is executed, and the type of reach presentation that is executed.

The variation patterns in this embodiment include a jackpot variation pattern and a miss variation pattern. The jackpot variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which an NR performance is performed in a performance game, and a variation pattern in which an SR performance is performed and a variation pattern in which a jackpot performance pattern combination is ultimately derived, and a variation pattern in which a SR performance is performed and a variation pattern in which a miss performance pattern combination is ultimately derived, and a variation pattern in which a SR performance is performed and a variation pattern in which a miss performance pattern combination is ultimately derived. In addition, the miss variation pattern includes a variation pattern in which a reach performance is not performed in a performance game, and a variation pattern in which a miss performance pattern combination is ultimately derived.

Here, the fluctuation pattern will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in Fig. 5, the fluctuation patterns in this embodiment include fluctuation patterns HP01 to HP08. The fluctuation patterns HP04, HP06, and HP08 are defined as big win fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation patterns HP01 to HP03, HP05, and HP07 are defined as miss fluctuation patterns.

In this embodiment, the fluctuation pattern HP01 is a deviation fluctuation pattern that can be determined in a normal state. The fluctuation pattern HP02 is a deviation fluctuation pattern that can be determined in an advantageous state, and is a fluctuation pattern in which the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern HP01 is shortened.

Fluctuation pattern HP03 is a miss fluctuation pattern that can be determined in normal and advantageous states, and is a fluctuation pattern that produces an NR effect in the presentation game, resulting in a miss. On the other hand, fluctuation pattern HP04 is a jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in normal and advantageous states, and is a fluctuation pattern that produces an NR effect in the presentation game, resulting in a jackpot.

Fluctuation pattern HP05 is a miss fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the normal state, in which an NR effect is performed in the presentation game, followed by an SR1 effect, resulting in a miss. On the other hand, fluctuation pattern HP06 is a jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in the normal state, in which an NR effect is performed in the presentation game, followed by an SR1 effect, resulting in a jackpot.

Fluctuation pattern HP07 is a miss fluctuation pattern that can be determined in an advantageous state, in which an NR effect is performed in the presentation game, followed by an SR2 effect, resulting in a miss. On the other hand, fluctuation pattern HP08 is a jackpot fluctuation pattern that can be determined in a normal state, in which an NR effect is performed in the presentation game, followed by an SR2 effect, resulting in a jackpot.

In this embodiment, the NR effect is performed in both the normal state and the advantageous state. Also, the SR1 effect is performed in the normal state, but not in the advantageous state. On the other hand, the SR2 effect is performed in the advantageous state, but not in the normal state. In other words, in this embodiment, different types of effects can be performed during the execution of the special game when the normal state and when the advantageous state are active.

The main control RAM 33 is configured to be able to store various information that is rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the main control RAM 33 is flags, counters, and timers. The main control board 30 is also equipped with a random number generation circuit (not shown) and is configured to be able to generate hardware random numbers. For example, hardware random numbers include special win random numbers used in the jackpot lottery for special symbols, and normal win random numbers used in the normal lottery. The main control board 30 is also configured to be able to generate software random numbers through a random number generation process by the main control CPU 31. For example, software random numbers include jackpot pattern random numbers used to determine jackpot patterns, and fluctuation pattern random numbers used to determine fluctuation patterns.

The RAM clear switch 34 is an operating means configured to enable an operation to instruct the initialization of main backup information backed up by the backup function described below. The RAM clear switch 34 turns on when pressed, and turns off when not pressed. The main control CPU 31 can input an operation signal that is output when the RAM clear switch 34 is turned on. The RAM clear switch 34 is operated manually, for example, by the manager of the amusement facility or a worker during manufacturing.

The main control CPU 31 is connected to the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, the third start winning sensor SE3, the count sensor SE4, and the gate sensor SE5. The main control CPU 31 is configured to be able to input the detection signal output by each sensor when it detects a game ball. The main control CPU 31 is connected to the information display device 14 (first special symbol display section 14a, second special symbol display section 14b, first special hold display section 14c, second special hold display section 14d, normal symbol display section 14e, normal hold display section 14f). The main control CPU 31 is configured to be able to control the display contents of the information display device 14. The main control CPU 31 is connected to the first actuator A1 and the second actuator A2. The main control CPU 31 is configured to be able to control the operation of each actuator.

Next, the sub-control board 40 will be described.
The sub-control board 40 includes a sub-control CPU 41, a sub-control ROM 42, and a sub-control RAM 43. The sub-control CPU 41 executes a sub-control program to perform various processes. For example, the various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 41 include processes related to presentation. The sub-control ROM 42 stores the sub-control program and judgment values used in a predetermined lottery. The sub-control ROM 42 stores display presentation data related to display presentation, light-emitting presentation data related to light-emitting presentation, and audio presentation data related to audio presentation.

The sub-control RAM 43 is also configured to be capable of storing various information that is appropriately rewritten during operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RAM 43 is flags, counters, timers, etc. The sub-control board 40 is also configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through a random number generation process by the sub-control CPU 41. For example, software random numbers include lottery random numbers used in a specified lottery. The sub-control board 40 may also be equipped with a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-control CPU 41 and the performance display device EH are connected. The sub-control CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display device EH. In this embodiment, the performance display device EH is equipped with a control unit (not shown) that controls the display content of the image display unit GH based on a control signal input from the sub-control board 40. The control unit of the performance display device EH may be provided separately from the performance display device EH as a display control board for controlling the display content of the performance display device EH.

The sub-control CPU 41 and the decorative lamp LA are connected. The sub-control CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 41 and the speaker SP are connected. The sub-control CPU 41 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 41, which controls the performance display device EH, the decorative lamp LA, and the speaker SP, corresponds to the performance control means.

The sub-control CPU 41 is connected to the up button UBT, down button DBT, left button LBT, and right button RBT. The sub-control CPU 41 is configured to be able to input operation signals from each of the up button UBT, down button DBT, left button LBT, and right button RBT.

Next, the power supply unit 60 will be described.
Power supply unit 60 converts a power supply voltage supplied from an external power source such as an amusement park into a predetermined power supply voltage, and converts the converted power supply voltage into a power supply voltage to be supplied to each of boards 30 and 40 .

The power supply unit 60 includes a backup power supply (not shown). The backup power supply supplies power to the main control RAM 33 of the main control board 30 and the sub-control RAM 43 of the sub-control board 40 even after the power supply is cut off. By receiving power from the backup power supply, the main control RAM 33 and the sub-control RAM 43 can retain the contents stored when the power supply is cut off even after the power supply is cut off. For example, the main control RAM 33 and the sub-control RAM 43 may be non-volatile memories that can retain the contents stored even when not receiving power, and thus can retain the information stored therein even after the power supply is cut off.

Here, the backup function will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 in this embodiment is equipped with a backup function. The backup function allows the pachinko gaming machine 10 to retain information on game control stored in the main control RAM 33 (hereinafter referred to as main backup information) and information on game control stored in the sub-control RAM 43 (hereinafter referred to as sub-backup information) for a predetermined period even if the power supply is cut off. Then, when the power supply is started, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can return to normal based on each backup information.

The main backup information includes information about special games, information about jackpot games, and information about game status. Information about special games includes, for example, information that can identify the results of jackpot lotteries and normal lotteries, information that can identify fluctuation patterns, and information that can identify special symbols derived in special games. Information about jackpot games includes information that can identify the progress of jackpot games. Information about game status includes information that can identify whether the game is in a low probability state or a high probability state, and information that can identify whether the game is in a non-time-saving state or a time-saving state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, information about game status includes information that can identify the number of times a special game is executed in an advantageous state.

The secondary backup information also includes the value stored in the total reserved number flag of the secondary control RAM 43, information that can identify that a special game is being executed, stored in the in-game flag, information that can identify that an SR effect is being executed, stored in the in-SR effect flag, and information that can identify that a jackpot game is being played, stored in the in-jackpot flag. Furthermore, the secondary backup information also includes information that can identify the currently controlled presentation mode, stored in the presentation mode information flag of the secondary control RAM 43 (hereinafter referred to as presentation mode information). Presentation modes will be described in more detail below.

The specified period is the period until the backup power source (e.g., an electric double layer capacitor) is discharged and the backup power source is no longer able to supply power. Note that the main control RAM 33 and the sub-control RAM 43 are non-volatile memories that can retain their contents even when no power is being supplied to them, so that each piece of backup information may be retained even after the power supply is stopped.

When the pachinko game machine 10 is started by supplying power (including when power is restored), the main control CPU 31 judges whether or not to execute initialization of the main backup information stored in the main control RAM 33. Specifically, when the pachinko game machine 10 is started by supplying power (including when power is restored), the main control CPU 31 judges whether or not the initialization condition is satisfied. For example, the main control CPU 31 judges that the initialization condition is satisfied when an operation signal is input from the RAM clear switch 34 shown in FIG. 4 and the main backup information is normal. The judgment of whether the main backup information is normal or abnormal is made, for example, by checking the state of the backup flag and checking whether the checksum of the main backup information matches. If the initialization condition is not satisfied, the main control CPU 31 executes a process to restore based on the main backup information. As a result, the pachinko game machine 10 is restored to the state when the power supply was cut off based on the main backup information in the main control RAM 33. When restoring the state to the state when the power supply was cut off based on the main backup information, the main control CPU 31 sets control information (hereinafter referred to as a restoration command) that can identify the restoration in the output buffer. In this embodiment, the control command set in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 40 in a command output process executed as an interrupt process. At this time, the main control CPU 31 generates a restoration command so that the game state at the time of restoration can be identified.

On the other hand, if the initialization conditions are met, the main control CPU 31 executes initialization of the main backup information. That is, when the initialization conditions are met, the main control CPU 31 initializes the pachinko gaming machine 10 to its initial state. Thereafter, the main control CPU 31 executes a process to start up the machine based on the backup information after initialization. When executing initialization of the main backup information, the main control CPU 31 sets, in the output buffer, control information (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can identify that the main backup information has been initialized.

Next, various processes (controls) executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
The main control CPU 31 of the main control board 30 executes various processes such as special pattern input processing and special pattern start processing at predetermined control cycles (e.g., 4 ms) based on the main control program.

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, in the special symbol input process, the main control CPU 31 judges whether a game ball has entered the first start winning hole 16 (step S101). In the process of step S101, the main control CPU 31 judges that a game ball has entered the first start winning hole 16 by inputting a detection signal from the first start winning sensor SE1. If a game ball has entered the first start winning hole 16 (step S101: YES), the main control CPU 31 judges whether the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM 33 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (step S102). If the first special reservation number is less than the upper limit number (step S102: YES), the main control CPU 31 adds 1 to the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM 33 to update it (step S103). At this time, the main control CPU 31 controls the first special reservation display unit 14c to display the updated first special reservation number. Thus, in this embodiment, when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, a game ball enters the first start winning port 16, and the entering game ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1, thereby establishing the reservation condition for the first special game.

Next, the main control CPU 31 acquires the random numbers generated in the main control board 30, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 33 (step S104). For example, the random numbers are jackpot random numbers, jackpot symbol random numbers, and variation pattern random numbers. At this time, the main control CPU 31 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the first special game in the main control RAM 33, it is possible to suspend the execution of the first special game until the start condition of the first special game is satisfied. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method. In this way, the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to be able to suspend the execution of the special game by the main control CPU 31 storing the random number information for the special game in the main control RAM 33.

Then, the main control CPU 31 pre-determines the content of the first special game for which the reserved condition has been met before the start condition of the first special game is met, and generates a look-ahead command (pre-determination command) that can identify the result of the pre-determination and sets it in the output buffer (step S105).

Here, the read-ahead command in this embodiment will be described.
The look-ahead command of this embodiment is information that can specify whether or not the jackpot lottery will be won, and the variation pattern of the special game. The main control CPU 31 pre-determines whether or not the acquired random number is a value that will win the jackpot lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. That is, the main control CPU 31 pre-determines whether or not the jackpot lottery will be won. Then, the main control CPU 31 pre-determines which variation pattern the acquired random number is a value that will determine the variation pattern by the variation pattern determination lottery performed in the special symbol start process described later. That is, the main control CPU 31 pre-determines the type of variation pattern. After that, the main control CPU 31 reads and specifies the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33, generates a look-ahead command indicating the sum of the specified first special reserved number and second special reserved number (hereinafter referred to as the total reserved number) and the result of the above-mentioned pre-determination, and sets it in the output buffer. In addition, the main control CPU 31 generates a reservation number command capable of identifying the first special reservation number stored in the main control RAM 33, separate from the look-ahead command, and sets it in the output buffer.

If a game ball has not entered the first start winning port 16 (step S101: NO), if the first special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number (step S102: NO), and if the processing of step S105 is completed, the main control CPU 31 determines whether a game ball has entered the second start winning port 17 (step S106). In the processing of step S106, the main control CPU 31 determines that a game ball has entered the second start winning port 17 by inputting a detection signal from the second start winning sensor SE2. If a game ball has entered the second start winning port 17 (step S106: YES), the main control CPU 31 determines whether the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (step S107). If the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit (step S107: YES), the main control CPU 31 adds 1 to the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33 to update it (step S108). At this time, the main control CPU 31 controls the second special reserved display unit 14d to display the updated second special reserved number. In this way, in this embodiment, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit, a game ball enters the second start winning hole 17, and the entering game ball is detected by the second start winning sensor SE2, thereby establishing the reservation condition for the second special game.

Next, the main control CPU 31 acquires the random numbers generated within the main control board 30, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 33 (step S109). At this time, the main control CPU 31 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 33, it is possible to suspend the execution of the second special game until the start conditions for the second special game are met.

Then, the main control CPU 31 pre-determines the content of the second special game for which the reserved condition is met before the start condition of the second special game is met, generates a look-ahead command that can identify the result of the pre-determination and the total reserved number, and sets it in the output buffer (step S110). In addition, in the processing of step S110, the main control CPU 31 generates a reserved number command that can identify the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33, separate from the look-ahead command, and sets it in the output buffer.

If a game ball has not entered the second start winning hole 17 (step S106: NO), if the second special reserved number is not less than the upper limit number (step S107: NO), and if the processing of step S110 is completed, the main control CPU 31 judges whether a game ball has entered the third start winning hole 18 (step S111). In the processing of step S111, the main control CPU 31 judges that a game ball has entered the third start winning hole 18 by inputting a detection signal from the third start winning sensor SE3. If a game ball has not entered the third start winning hole 18 (step S111: NO), the main control CPU 31 terminates the special symbol input processing. On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the third start winning hole 18 (step S111: YES), the main control CPU 31 judges whether the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment) (step S112). If the second special reserved number is not less than the upper limit (step S112: NO), the main control CPU 31 ends the special symbol input process. On the other hand, if the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit (step S112: YES), the main control CPU 31 adds 1 to the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33 and updates it (step S113). At this time, the main control CPU 31 controls the second special reserved display unit 14d to display the updated second special reserved number. Thus, in this embodiment, when the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit, a game ball enters the third start winning hole 18, and the entering game ball is detected by the third start winning sensor SE3, and the reservation condition for the second special game is established.

Next, the main control CPU 31 acquires random numbers generated within the main control board 30, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RAM 33 (step S114). At this time, the main control CPU 31 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that the random number information is for the second special game, and the storage order of the random number information. In this embodiment, by storing the random number information for the second special game in the main control RAM 33, it is possible to suspend the execution of the second special game until the start conditions for the second special game are met.

Then, the main control CPU 31 pre-determines the content of the second special game for which the reserved condition is met before the start condition of the second special game is met, generates a look-ahead command capable of identifying the result of the pre-determination and the total reserved number, and sets this in the output buffer (step S115). In addition, in the process of step S115, the main control CPU 31 generates a reserved number command capable of identifying the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33, separate from the look-ahead command, and sets this in the output buffer. When the process of step S115 ends, the main control CPU 31 ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
First, the main control CPU 31 judges whether the execution condition of the special game is satisfied. In this judgment, the main control CPU 31 judges that the execution condition is satisfied when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, and judges that the execution condition is not satisfied when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. Then, the main control CPU 31 ends the special symbol start process when the execution condition is not satisfied.

On the other hand, if the execution condition is met, the main control CPU 31 acquires the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33, and determines whether the total reserved number that can be determined from the acquired first special reserved number and second special reserved number is greater than 0 (zero). If the total reserved number is 0, the main control CPU 31 ends the special symbol start process. If the total reserved number is greater than 0, the main control CPU 31 starts the execution of the special game corresponding to the random number information stored first based on the storage order of the random number information stored in the main control RAM. That is, in this embodiment, when the execution condition of the special game is met, the start condition for starting the special game that is reserved first among the reserved special games is met. As a result, the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment does not execute the first special game and the second special game at the same time, but executes the first special game and the second special game according to the reservation order. In this way, in this embodiment, after the reservation condition of the special game is met, the execution of the special game is started when the start condition is met.

When the first reserved special game is the first special game, that is, when the start condition of the first special game is established, the main control CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the first special reserved number to update it, and controls the first special reserved display unit 14c to display the first special reserved number after subtraction. The main control CPU 31 also generates a reserved number command that can specify the first special reserved number after subtraction and sets it in the output buffer. Next, the main control CPU 31 acquires the random number information stored first from the main control RAM 33. Then, the main control CPU 31 uses the value of the jackpot random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot judgment of whether or not there is a jackpot. The jackpot judgment corresponds to a jackpot lottery to determine whether or not there is a jackpot. For example, the jackpot judgment may be determined based on whether or not the value of the random number and the jackpot judgment value match. For example, the jackpot judgment may be determined based on whether or not the value obtained by adding the value of the random number and the jackpot judgment value exceeds a predetermined value. At this time, the main control CPU 31 performs a jackpot determination using different jackpot determination values depending on the current probability state.

When a jackpot is determined in the jackpot determination, the main control CPU 31 performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main control CPU 31 determines a jackpot pattern of a special pattern based on the value of the jackpot pattern random number specified from the acquired random number information. This determined jackpot pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the special game. In addition, when the main control CPU 31 determines a jackpot pattern of a special pattern, it determines a jackpot variation pattern from among a plurality of types of jackpot variation patterns by performing a variation pattern determination lottery. On the other hand, when a jackpot is not determined in the jackpot determination, the main control CPU 31 performs a miss variation processing. In the miss variation processing, the main control CPU 31 determines a miss pattern of a special pattern. This determined miss pattern becomes the confirmed stop pattern derived in the special game. In addition, when the main control CPU 31 determines a miss pattern of a special pattern, it determines a miss variation pattern from among a plurality of types of miss variation patterns by performing a variation pattern determination lottery.

On the other hand, if the first reserved special game is the second special game, that is, if the conditions for starting the second special game are met, the main control CPU 31 performs the same control for the second special game as the control for the first special game described above. In other words, the main control CPU 31 subtracts the second special reserved number, controls the display content of the second special reserved display section 14d, generates reserved number commands, determines whether there is a jackpot, and performs jackpot fluctuation processing or miss fluctuation processing based on the result of the jackpot determination. After that, the main control CPU 31 ends the special symbol start processing.

Then, when the special symbol start process is completed, the main control CPU 31 starts the special game by performing a process other than the special symbol start process. Specifically, the main control CPU 31 controls the display contents of the special symbol display units 14a and 14b so as to start the variation of the first special symbol or the second special symbol. The main control CPU 31 also sets information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol designation command) that designates the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process in the output buffer. The main control CPU 31 also sets information (hereinafter referred to as a variation pattern designation command) that designates the variation pattern and instructs the start of the presentation game in the output buffer. The main control CPU 31 also measures the variation time determined for the variation pattern determined in the special symbol start process. The main control CPU 31 then controls the special symbol display units 14a and 14b so that the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process is derived after the variation time determined for the variation pattern has elapsed. In addition, when the change time set in the change pattern determined in the special symbol start process has elapsed, the main control CPU 31 sets a control command capable of identifying the end of the special game (hereinafter referred to as the game end command) in the output buffer.

As described above, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 31 determines the content of the special game by performing a jackpot determination and a lottery to determine a variation pattern when the conditions for starting the special game are met, and starts the execution of the special game based on the determined content of the special game.

Next, the big win game processing will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game after the end of a special game of a jackpot. In the jackpot game process, the main control CPU 31 specifies the type of jackpot game to be awarded based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. Then, the main control CPU 31 performs a process for awarding the specified type of jackpot game.

When the special game of the big win ends, the main control CPU 31 first starts measuring the opening time, generates a command (hereinafter referred to as the opening command) that instructs the execution of the opening performance, and sets it in the output buffer. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 31 performs processing to execute the round game. Specifically, the main control CPU 31 controls the second actuator A2 so that the big prize opening 20 is opened in the round game. In addition, after starting the round game, when the first end condition or the second end condition is established, the main control CPU 31 closes the big prize opening 20 to end the round game. The main control CPU 31 repeats such processing to execute the round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big win game is ended. In addition, the main control CPU 31 generates a command (hereinafter referred to as the round command) that instructs the execution of the round performance every time the round game starts, and sets it in the output buffer. Then, when the final round of play ends, the main control CPU 31 generates a command to execute an ending performance (hereinafter referred to as an ending command) and sets it in the output buffer. When the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 31 ends the big win game.

Next, the process of controlling to the standby state performed by the main control CPU 31 will be described.
When both the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are 0 (zero), the special game is not being executed, and the big win game is not being executed, the main control CPU 31 controls the waiting state as a waiting period. That is, the waiting state in this embodiment is a period when the special game is not being executed, and the big win game is not being executed. When controlled to the waiting state, the main control CPU 31 generates a demo command that can identify the waiting state as control information and sets it in the output buffer. This demo command is a command for executing a waiting effect in the waiting state. The waiting effect is an effect for attracting customers by notifying that the pachinko game machine 10 is in a waiting state, for example, using the effect display device EH.

Next, the processing related to the game state performed by the main control CPU 31 will be described.
When starting a jackpot game, the main control CPU 31 controls the game state to a normal state that is a low probability state and a non-time-saving state. Also, when ending a jackpot game, the main control CPU 31 controls the game state to a game state according to the type of jackpot. For example, when ending a jackpot game based on a specific pattern, the main control CPU 31 controls the game state to an advantageous state that is a high probability state and a time-saving state, generates an advantageous state command that can specify that the game state is controlled to an advantageous state, and sets it in the output buffer. At this time, the main control CPU 31 controls the game state to an advantageous state with a predetermined upper limit number of special games as the upper limit. That is, the main control CPU 31 controls the game state to a low probability state and a non-time-saving state when the number of times the special game is executed after the end of the jackpot game reaches the upper limit number. Also, when the next jackpot game starts before the number of times the special game is executed after the end of the jackpot game reaches the upper limit number, the main control CPU 31 controls the game state to a normal state when the start of the next jackpot game is triggered. Also, for example, when the main control CPU 31 ends a jackpot game based on a normal pattern, it continues to control in the normal state even after the jackpot game ends.

In processing related to the game state, when controlling to a low probability state, the main control CPU 31 sets information that can identify that the game will be controlled to the low probability state to the probability state flag stored in the main control RAM 33, while when controlling to a high probability state, it sets information that can identify that the game will be controlled to the high probability state to the probability state flag stored in the main control RAM 33. Also, when controlling to a non-time-shortening state, the main control CPU 31 sets information that can identify that the game will be controlled to the non-time-shortening state to the time-shortening state flag stored in the main control RAM 33, while when controlling to a time-shortening state, it sets information that can identify that the game will be controlled to the time-shortening state to the time-shortening state flag stored in the main control RAM 33.

When the main control CPU 31 awards an advantageous state with a set upper limit number of times, the main control CPU 31 stores the number of times equivalent to the upper limit number in the main control RAM 33 as the remaining number of times for the special game for awarding the advantageous state. Then, each time a special game is executed, the main control CPU 31 subtracts 1 from the remaining number stored in the main control RAM 33. When the remaining number of times becomes 0, the main control CPU 31 sets information that can specify that the state will be controlled to a low probability state in the probability state flag upon the end of the special game in which the remaining number of times becomes 0, and sets information that can specify that the state will be controlled to a non-time-saving state in the time-saving state flag. In this embodiment, the main control CPU 31 that controls the game state corresponds to the game state control means.

Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 31 with respect to normal symbols will be described.
The main control CPU 31 judges whether the game ball has passed through (entered) the gate 22 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the gate sensor SE5. When the game ball has passed through the gate 22, the main control CPU 31 judges whether the number of regular reserved balls stored in the main control RAM 33 is less than the upper limit number. When the number of regular reserved balls is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 31 adds 1 to the regular reserved number stored in the main control RAM 33 and updates it. In this case, the main control CPU 31 controls the regular reserved display unit 14f to display the regular reserved number after the update. In addition, the main control CPU 31 sets control information (hereinafter, referred to as a regular reserved number command) that can specify the regular reserved number after the update in the output buffer. Next, the main control CPU 31 acquires the random number generated in the main control board 30, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main control RAM 33. In this case, the main control CPU 31 stores the information so that it is possible to specify that the information is random number information for a regular game, and the storage order of the random number information. For example, the random number may be a normal winning random number used in a normal lottery.

The main control CPU 31 also determines whether the conditions for executing the normal game are met. The main control CPU 31 makes a positive determination when neither a normal win game nor a normal game is in progress, and makes a negative determination when a normal win game is in progress or a normal game is in progress. If the conditions for executing the normal game are met, the main control CPU 31 determines whether the normal hold number stored in the main control RAM 33 is 1 or more. If the normal hold number is 1 or more, the main control CPU 31 updates the normal hold number stored in the main control RAM 33 by subtracting 1. In this process, the main control CPU 31 controls the normal hold display unit 14f so that the updated normal hold number is displayed. The main control CPU 31 also sets a normal hold number command capable of identifying the updated normal hold number in the output buffer.

Next, the main control CPU 31 reads out the random number information for the normal game that was stored first from the main control RAM 33. After reading out the first random number information, the main control CPU 31 erases the first random number information stored from the main control RAM 33. Next, the main control CPU 31 performs a normal lottery based on the read random number information. The main control CPU 31 performs a normal lottery based on the value of the normal win random number that can be determined from the read random number information and the normal win determination value stored in the main control ROM 32. At this time, the main control CPU 31 performs a normal lottery using a normal win determination value that differs depending on whether or not the ball entry assist function is operating. When the ball entry assist function is operating, the main control CPU 31 performs a normal lottery so that the probability of a normal win is higher than when the ball entry assist function is not operating.

The main control CPU 31 also determines the fluctuation time of the normal game. At this time, the main control CPU 31 controls so that the average fluctuation time of the normal game differs depending on whether or not the ball scoring assistance function is activated. Specifically, when the ball scoring assistance function is activated, the main control CPU 31 determines the fluctuation time of the normal game so that the average fluctuation time of the normal game is shorter than when the ball scoring assistance function is not activated.

Then, the main control CPU31 performs processing to execute the normal game. Specifically, the main control CPU31 starts the normal game, and controls the normal pattern display unit 14e so that the determined normal pattern is derived when the determined variation time has elapsed. In addition, the main control CPU31 sets control information capable of identifying the determined type of normal pattern and the determined variation time of the normal game in the output buffer as the normal game starts. In addition, the main control CPU31 sets control information indicating the end of the normal game in the output buffer as the normal game ends.

Next, the effects that can be executed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
The effects that the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment can execute include specific sound effects and special light-emitting effects that are different from the specific sound effects. The specific sound effects are effects that can be executed in a special game that results in a jackpot, and are effects that can be specified to display the jackpot result in the special game being executed. The specific sound effects are executed in an effect mode in which a specific notification sound is output from the speaker SP at a specific timing during the execution of the special game that results in a jackpot. In this embodiment, the specific sound effects correspond to the specific effects.

The special light-emitting effect, like the specific audio effect, is an effect that can be executed in a special game that results in a jackpot, and is an effect that can be specified to display the jackpot result in the special game that is being played. The special light-emitting effect is executed in a performance mode in which the decorative lamp LA lights up in a specific light-emitting pattern at a specific timing during the execution of the special game that results in a jackpot.

In this embodiment, the specific audio effects and the special light-emitting effects can be performed in both the normal state and the advantageous state. The specific audio effects are performed in the same manner, in which a predetermined notification sound is output from the speaker SP in both the normal state and the advantageous state. The special light-emitting effects are performed in the same manner, in which the decorative lamp LA lights up in a predetermined light-emitting pattern in both the normal state and the advantageous state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the specific sound effects and the special light-emitting effects are each defined as an effect mode in which the execution is restricted and an effect mode in which the execution is not restricted. The effect modes will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the fact that the execution of the specific sound effects and the special light-emitting effects is not restricted means that each effect can be executed at a predetermined occurrence rate. In this embodiment, the fact that the execution of the specific sound effects and the special light-emitting effects is restricted means that the occurrence rate of each effect is a predetermined 0, but is not limited to this. The fact that the execution of the specific sound effects and the special light-emitting effects is restricted may mean that the occurrence rate of each effect is greater than 0 and is lower than the occurrence rate when the execution of each effect is not restricted. The fact that the execution of the specific sound effects and the special light-emitting effects is restricted may mean that the occurrence rate of each effect is almost 0 and is lower than the occurrence rate when the execution of each effect is not restricted.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, during the execution of one special game, both the specific sound effect and the special light emitting effect are not executed, but only one of the effects can be executed.
Next, the customization functions installed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described. The customization functions include a customization function related to volume adjustment and a customization function related to the occurrence rate of special light-emitting effects. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the customization contents created by the customization function related to volume adjustment are reflected when the sound effects are executed. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the customization contents created by the customization function related to the occurrence rate of special light-emitting effects are reflected when the special light-emitting effects are executed.

The customization function for volume adjustment will be described.
In this embodiment, the volume of the sound output from the speaker SP has a number of predetermined volume levels, and sound effects can be executed at customized volume levels.

The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to adjust the volume when performing sound effects over a total of 10 volume levels, from 1 to 10, by adjusting the volume using the right button RBT and the left button LBT during the standby state, the special game, and the jackpot game period. The sound effects are then performed based on the adjusted volume level.

Here, we will explain the volume adjustment process to realize the customization function for volume adjustment. The volume adjustment process is performed by the sub-control CPU 41. The sub-control CPU 41 executes various processes, described below, including the volume adjustment process, as timer interrupt processing performed at a predetermined cycle (e.g., 4 ms).

The sub-control CPU 41 determines whether an operation signal from the left button LBT or the right button RBT has been input. When an operation signal from the left button LBT has been input, the sub-control CPU 41 updates the value of the volume flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43 so as to adjust the current volume stage to a volume stage one step lower. The sub-control CPU 41 can identify the current volume stage based on the value of the volume flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43. If the current volume stage is the minimum stage (volume stage 1), the sub-control CPU 41 does not update the value of the volume flag. When an operation signal from the right button RBT has been input, the sub-control CPU 41 updates the value of the volume flag so as to adjust the current volume stage to a volume stage one step higher. At this time, if the current volume stage is the maximum stage (volume stage 10), the sub-control CPU 41 does not update the value of the volume flag. The sub-control CPU 41 can identify the current volume stage based on the value of the volume flag, and control the execution of various sound effects based on the identified current volume stage.

Next, the customization function for the appearance rate of special lighting effects will be described.
In this embodiment, the appearance rate of the special light-emitting effect is determined in advance, and in the presentation mode in which the special light-emitting effect can be executed, the special light-emitting effect can be executed based on the customized appearance rate. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the specific sound effect is executed at a predetermined constant appearance rate in the presentation mode in which the specific sound effect can be executed.

The pachinko game machine 10 is capable of customizing the occurrence rate of the announcement light-emitting effects during the standby period, the period during which the special game is being played, and the period during which a jackpot is being played. During these periods, the occurrence rate of the special light-emitting effects in the effect mode in which the special light-emitting effects can be executed can be set to either a predetermined low occurrence rate or a high occurrence rate that is higher than the low occurrence rate, by setting operations using the up button UBT and the down button DBT. The occurrence rate of the special light-emitting effects can be set regardless of whether the effect mode in which the special light-emitting effects can be executed is being controlled or not, regardless of whether the effect mode in which the special light-emitting effects can be executed is being controlled.

Here, the appearance rate setting process for implementing the customization function for the special light emission effects will be described. The appearance rate setting process is performed by the sub-control CPU 41.
The sub-control CPU 41 judges whether an operation signal from the up button UBT or an operation signal from the down button DBT has been input. When an operation signal from the up button UBT has been input, the sub-control CPU 41 updates the value of the appearance rate flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43 so that the appearance rate of the special light-emitting effect is set to a high appearance rate. The sub-control CPU 41 can specify the current appearance rate of the special light-emitting effect based on the value of the appearance rate flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43. At this time, if the current appearance rate is a high appearance rate, the sub-control CPU 41 does not update the value of the appearance rate flag. When an operation signal from the down button DBT has been input, the sub-control CPU 41 updates the value of the appearance rate flag so that the appearance rate of the special light-emitting effect is set to a low appearance rate. At this time, if the current appearance rate is a low appearance rate, the sub-control CPU 41 does not update the value of the appearance rate flag. In addition, when the sub-control CPU 41 is controlled to a presentation mode in which special light-emitting effects can be executed by executing the presentation pattern change processing described below, it is possible to determine the current appearance rate of the special light-emitting effects based on the value of the appearance rate flag, and to control the execution of the special light-emitting effects during the execution of a special game that will result in a jackpot based on the determined current appearance rate.

Next, the types of presentation modes provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be controlled to a presentation mode during a period in which a special game is being executed and during a period in which the machine is in a standby state. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a plurality of presentation modes. The presentation mode can be controlled to any one of the plurality of presentation modes at the timing when a special game starts. In addition, the presentation mode is controlled regardless of the type of variation pattern, and can be controlled across a plurality of consecutive special games.

As shown in FIG. 7, the multiple types of presentation modes include presentation modes MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, MDCH, and MDPR. The types of presentation modes correspond to the types of background images displayed on the presentation display device EH and the types of music output from the speaker SP. That is, in this embodiment, the types of presentation modes can be specified by the types of background images displayed on the presentation display device EH or the types of music output from the speaker SP. As an example, presentation mode MD1A is a presentation mode in which a display presentation in which a first background image is displayed as a background image is performed and an audio presentation in which a first music piece is output is performed. Note that, when controlled to each presentation mode, the background images corresponding to each presentation mode displayed on the presentation display device EH start to be displayed when the special game is started. Then, when the SR presentation is not performed, the images are displayed until the timing when the special game ends, while when the SR presentation is performed, the images are displayed until the timing when the SR presentation development notification described below starts. Also, when controlled to each presentation mode, the music corresponding to each presentation mode output from the speaker SP starts to be output when the special game is started. If the reach effect is not performed, the output will continue until the special game ends, whereas if the reach effect is performed, the output will continue until the reach effect begins.

As shown in FIG. 7, there are presentation modes that can perform special light-emitting effects and presentation modes that cannot perform special light-emitting effects. As an example, presentation mode MD1C is a presentation mode that can perform special light-emitting effects. On the other hand, presentation mode MD1A is a presentation mode that cannot perform special light-emitting effects.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, there are presentation modes in which a specific audio presentation can be executed, and presentation modes in which a specific audio presentation cannot be executed. As an example, presentation mode MDPR is a presentation mode in which a specific audio presentation can be executed. On the other hand, presentation mode MD1A is a presentation mode in which a specific audio presentation cannot be executed.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the device is controlled to the presentation mode, there are multiple types of presentation modes for presentations such as display presentations using background images displayed, audio presentations using music output, special light emission presentations, and specific audio presentations.

In addition, in this embodiment, the expected jackpot probability in the special game that is executed first when controlled to the presentation mode may differ depending on the type of presentation mode controlled. Presentation modes MD1B, MD1D, MD2B, and MD2D are presentation modes that have a higher expected jackpot probability in the special game that is executed first when controlled to the presentation mode compared to presentation modes MD1A, MD1C, MD2A, MD2C, and MDPR. Furthermore, presentation mode MDCH is a presentation mode that has a higher expected jackpot probability in the special game that is executed first when controlled to the presentation mode compared to presentation modes MD1B, MD1D, MD2B, and MD2D.

In this embodiment, the presentation modes MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, MDCH, and MDPR are configured to be controllable in both normal and advantageous states. In this embodiment, each reach presentation (NR presentation, SR1 presentation, and SR2 presentation) can be executed regardless of which of the multiple presentation modes is controlled. In this embodiment, the presentation mode MDPR corresponds to a specific mode, and the presentation modes MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, and MDCH correspond to a non-specific mode.

Next, the determination of the rendering mode in this embodiment will be described.
In this embodiment, when the first special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, when the reservation condition of the first special game is established by the game ball entering the first start winning port 16, the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved first special game is executed is determined in advance. Also, when the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, when the reservation condition of the second special game is established by the game ball entering the second start winning port 17, the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved second special game is executed is determined in advance. Similarly, when the second special reserved number is less than the upper limit number, when the reservation condition of the second special game is established by the game ball entering the third start winning port 18, the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved second special game is executed is determined in advance. Note that, the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved special game is executed is determined in advance, meaning that the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved special game is started is determined before the reserved special game is started.

Now, referring to FIG. 8, the presentation mode advance determination process performed in relation to the determination of the presentation mode will be described. The presentation mode advance determination process is performed by the sub-control CPU 41. When the sub-control CPU 41 receives a control signal from the main control CPU 31, it executes a predetermined process in response to the control signal. In this embodiment, the sub-control CPU 41 performs the presentation mode advance determination process, thereby making it possible to determine in advance the presentation mode to be controlled when a reserved special game is executed. Note that the situation in which a special game is reserved also includes the situation from when the reservation condition for the special game is established until the start condition for the special game is established when the special game is not being executed and the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number are both 0. The sub-control CPU 41, which determines the presentation mode in advance, corresponds to a presentation control means.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the presentation mode pre-determination process, the sub-control CPU 41 determines whether a look-ahead command has been input (step S201). Note that the look-ahead command is output from the main control CPU 31 when the reservation conditions for the special game are met (when the special game is put on hold), so by performing the process of step S201, the sub-control CPU 41 can determine whether the reservation conditions for the special game have been met. If the look-ahead command has not been input (step S201: NO), the sub-control CPU 41 ends the presentation mode pre-determination process. In other words, if the sub-control CPU 41 has not input a look-ahead command, the presentation mode will not be determined in advance.

When the look-ahead command is input (step S201: YES), the sub-control CPU 41 determines whether the SR performance is being executed (step S202). In addition, in a process separate from the performance mode advance determination process, the sub-control CPU 41 measures the time that has elapsed since the special game in which the SR performance is executed is started when the special game in which the SR performance is executed is started. Then, the sub-control CPU 41 stores information that can identify that the SR performance is being executed in the SR performance in progress flag of the sub-control RAM 43 at the timing when the time has elapsed from the start of the special game in which the SR performance is executed to the start of the SR performance. After that, the sub-control CPU 41 erases the information stored in the SR performance in progress flag at the timing when the time has elapsed from the start of the special game in which the SR performance is executed to the end of the SR performance. In other words, in step S202, the sub-control CPU 41 can identify whether the SR performance is being executed by referring to the information in the SR performance in progress flag.

In addition, when a reserved number command capable of identifying the first special reserved number or a reserved number command capable of identifying the second special reserved number is input, the sub-control CPU 41 performs processing to display a reserved image capable of identifying the number of reserved special games. Based on the reserved number command capable of identifying the first special reserved number or the reserved number command capable of identifying the second special reserved number input separately from the look-ahead command, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the performance display device EH to display reserved images HG (HG1 to HG8) capable of identifying the number of reserved special games corresponding to each of the reserved special games. Furthermore, based on the total reserved number identifiable from the look-ahead command, the sub-control CPU 41 stores a value capable of identifying the total reserved number in the total reserved number flag of the sub-control RAM 43.

If the SR performance is not being executed (step S202: NO), the sub-control CPU 41 executes a pre-mode determination lottery process (step S203). The pre-mode determination lottery process is a process for executing a pre-mode determination lottery to determine whether the sub-control CPU 41 will execute a first mode lottery process or a second mode lottery process, which will be described later, when determining the performance mode in advance. The sub-control CPU 41 generates a random number in the sub-control board 40, for example, and executes a pre-mode determination lottery based on the value of the acquired random number and a judgment value stored in the sub-control ROM 42, and stores the lottery result in the sub-control RAM 43. In this embodiment, the probability of winning the pre-mode determination lottery is set to 1 in 1.2 as an example, but is not limited to this.

After executing the pre-mode determination lottery process, the sub-control CPU 41 determines whether the pre-mode determination lottery has been won by referring to the lottery result of the pre-mode determination lottery stored in the sub-control RAM 43 (step S204). If the pre-mode determination lottery has been won (step S204: YES), the sub-control CPU 41 determines whether the special game for which the reserved condition has been met is the first special game (step S206). At this time, the sub-control CPU 41 can determine whether a reserved number command capable of identifying the first special reserved number has been input, thereby identifying whether the special game for which the reserved condition has been met is the first special game.

If the special game for which the reservation condition is satisfied is the first special game (step S206: YES), the sub-control CPU 41 executes a first mode lottery process to determine one of the presentation modes MD1A to MD1D, MDCH, and MDPR (step S208). At this time, the sub-control CPU 41 executes a first mode lottery to determine the presentation mode, and determines the presentation mode to be controlled when the first special game for which the reservation condition is satisfied is executed based on the lottery result. The first mode lottery is executed based on whether the inputted look-ahead command is a look-ahead command that can identify that the big win lottery will be won. Specifically, if the inputted look-ahead command is a look-ahead command that can identify that the big win lottery will be won, the sub-control CPU 41 executes the first mode lottery so that the presentation mode MDCH has a higher determination rate than the presentation modes MD1B and MD1D. Furthermore, if the input look-ahead command is a look-ahead command that can identify a winning jackpot lottery, the sub-control CPU 41 executes the first mode lottery so that the presentation modes MD1B and MD1D have a higher probability of winning than the presentation modes MD1A and MD1C.

If the special game for which the reservation condition is satisfied is not the first special game (step S206: NO), the sub-control CPU 41 executes a second mode lottery process to determine one of the presentation modes MD2A to MD2D, MDCH, and MDPR (step S207). At this time, the sub-control CPU 41 executes a second mode lottery to determine the presentation mode, and determines the presentation mode to be controlled when the second special game for which the reservation condition is satisfied is executed based on the lottery result. The second mode lottery is executed based on whether the inputted look-ahead command is a look-ahead command that can identify that the big win lottery will be won. Specifically, if the inputted look-ahead command is a look-ahead command that can identify that the big win lottery will be won, the sub-control CPU 41 executes the second mode lottery so that the presentation mode MDCH has a higher determination rate than the presentation modes MD2B and MD2D. Furthermore, if the input look-ahead command is a look-ahead command that can identify a winning jackpot lottery, the sub-control CPU 41 executes the second mode lottery so that the presentation modes MD2B and MD2D have a higher probability of winning than the presentation modes MD2A and MD2C.

When the processing of step S207 is completed, and when the processing of step S208 is completed, the sub-control CPU 41 executes a determination notification process (step S209). The determination notification process is a process executed by the sub-control CPU 41 to cause a mode determination notification that can identify the winner of the pre-mode determination lottery when the reserved condition for the special game is established. The mode determination notification will be described in more detail later.

If the SR presentation is being performed (step S202: YES), or if the pre-mode selection lottery is not won (step S204: NO), the sub-control CPU 41 executes the process of step S205. That is, the sub-control CPU 41 determines the presentation mode to be controlled when the special game in which the reserved condition is satisfied is executed to be the same presentation mode as the presentation mode controlled in the special game executed immediately before the special game in question. The sub-control CPU 41 can specify the presentation mode to be controlled in the special game executed immediately before the special game in which the reserved condition is satisfied by referring to the final determined mode flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43. The final determined mode flag stores information that can specify the presentation mode determined when the sub-control CPU 41 previously determined the previous presentation mode.

When the processing of steps S205 and S209 is completed, the sub-control CPU 41 stores information that can identify the determined presentation mode in the determined mode flag of the sub-control RAM 43 (step S210). Note that the determined mode flag of the sub-control RAM 43 is stored in correspondence with each of the reserved special games.

When the processing of step S210 is completed, the sub-control CPU 41 stores information capable of identifying the determined presentation mode in the final determined mode flag of the sub-control RAM 43 (step S211). As a result, the final determined mode flag of the sub-control RAM 43 is updated each time a presentation mode is determined in advance.

When the processing of step S211 is completed, the sub-control CPU 41 executes a mode notification process (step S212). The mode notification process is a process executed by the sub-control CPU 41 to perform a mode notification that notifies information that can identify a previously determined presentation mode. The mode notification will be described in detail later. Then, when the processing of step S212 is completed, the sub-control CPU 41 ends the presentation mode pre-determination process.

As described above, in the presentation mode advance determination process, when the sub-control CPU 41 determines the presentation mode in advance, the sub-control CPU 41 executes a pre-mode determination lottery when the SR presentation is not being executed. Then, when the sub-control CPU 41 wins the pre-mode determination lottery, it determines one of the multiple presentation modes. In this embodiment, winning the pre-mode determination lottery in the presentation mode advance determination process corresponds to the establishment of a specific condition. In addition, the pre-mode determination lottery can be executed when a special game pre-reading command is input, and the pre-reading command is output from the main control CPU 31 to the sub-control CPU 41 when detected by each of the start winning sensors SE1 to SE3. In other words, the pre-mode determination lottery can be executed when the first special game reservation condition is established by detecting the game ball by the first start winning sensor SE1, and when the second special game reservation condition is established by detecting the game ball by the second start winning sensor SE2 or the third start winning sensor SE3. That is, in this embodiment, the specific condition can be established in response to detection of the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, and the third start winning sensor SE3. Also, in this embodiment, the pre-mode determination lottery is not executed while the SR performance is being executed, so even if the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, and the third start winning sensor SE3 are detected while the SR performance is being executed, the specific condition is not established. In this embodiment, the execution of the SR performance corresponds to a predetermined situation.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the sub-control CPU41 predetermines the presentation mode by winning the pre-mode determination lottery, the type of presentation mode that can be determined differs depending on whether the special game in which the reserved condition is satisfied is the first special game or the second special game. That is, the sub-control CPU41 can determine different presentation modes when the sub-control CPU41 predetermines the presentation mode in response to the detection of a game ball by the first start winning sensor SE1 by winning the pre-mode determination lottery, and when the sub-control CPU41 predetermines the presentation mode in response to the detection of a game ball by the second start winning sensor SE2 and the third start winning sensor SE3. That is, when the sub-control CPU41 predetermines the presentation mode by winning the pre-mode determination lottery, the sub-control CPU41 predetermines the presentation mode in response to the detection of the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, and the third start winning sensor SE3.

Now, referring to Figure 9, we will explain an example in which the presentation mode is determined in advance. Note that in the following explanation, the special games will be referred to as the first special game through the eighth special game in the order in which they were reserved.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), the first special game is reserved, and the presentation mode MD2A is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when the first special game is executed. In this situation, when the SR presentation is not being executed, the reservation condition for the first special game is newly established, and the second special game is reserved. At this time, a pre-mode determination lottery is held, and if the lottery is won, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the presentation mode MD1A is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when the second special game is executed. In this way, in this embodiment, when the presentation mode is pre-determined, if the pre-mode determination lottery is won, the reserved special game can be controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode controlled in the special game executed one before the special game.

In this situation, when the SR presentation is not being executed, the third special game is put on hold because the reservation conditions for the second special game are met. If the pre-mode determination lottery is won, as shown in FIG. 9(c), presentation mode MD2B is pre-determined as the presentation mode that will be controlled when the third special game is executed. In this case, when the third special game is executed, it is suggested that there is a higher probability of winning the jackpot lottery for the special game to be executed compared to when the second special game is executed.

After that, as in Figures 9(a) to (c), when the SR effect is not being executed, the reservation conditions for the first special game and the reservation conditions for the second special game are alternately satisfied, and when each reservation condition is satisfied, the pre-mode determination lottery is won, and up to the eighth special game is reserved. In this case, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9(d), different presentation modes can be determined in advance as the presentation modes to be controlled when the first to eighth special games are executed. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved special game is executed is determined in advance, in a situation where there are multiple reserved special games, any two consecutive special games among the multiple reserved special games can be controlled to different presentation modes.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the first special game is reserved, and the presentation mode MD1A is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when the first special game is executed. In this situation, when the SR presentation is not being executed, the second special game is reserved because the reservation condition for the second special game is newly established. Then, if the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the presentation mode MD1A, which is the same presentation mode as the presentation mode pre-determined in the first special game, is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when the second special game is executed. In this way, in this embodiment, when the presentation mode is pre-determined, if the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, the reserved special game is not controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode controlled in the special game executed one before the special game, but is controlled to the same presentation mode.

In this situation, when the SR presentation is not being executed, the third special game is put on hold due to the newly established hold conditions for the first special game. If the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, as shown in FIG. 10(c), presentation mode MD1A, which is the same presentation mode as the presentation mode previously determined in the second special game, is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when the third special game is executed. In this manner, in this embodiment, in either the case where the hold conditions for the first special game are established or the case where the hold conditions for the second special game are established, if the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, the same presentation mode as the presentation mode to be controlled in the special game executed one game before the special game in which the hold conditions are established is pre-determined.

In the situation shown in FIG. 10(a), if the second special game is put on hold because the reservation conditions for the second special game are satisfied while the SR effect is being executed, the pre-mode determination lottery is not executed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10(d), the presentation mode MD1A, which is the same presentation mode as the presentation mode previously determined in the first special game, is determined in advance as the presentation mode to be controlled when the second special game is executed. In this way, when the reservation conditions for a special game are satisfied while the SR effect is being executed, the pre-mode determination lottery is not executed, and the same presentation mode as the presentation mode to be controlled in the special game executed one game before the special game in which the reservation conditions are satisfied is determined in advance, just as in the case where the pre-mode determination lottery is not won.

Next, we will explain the effect pattern change processing that the sub-control CPU 41 performs to execute the effect game. The effect pattern change processing is executed after the effect mode advance determination processing described above is performed in the interrupt processing performed by the sub-control CPU 41.

In the effect symbol variation process, when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs a special symbol designation command, it determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on the special symbol designated by the special symbol designation command. When a special symbol jackpot symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 41 determines a symbol combination of a jackpot by the effect symbol. When a special symbol loss symbol is designated, the sub-control CPU 41 determines a combination of effect symbols to be derived in the effect game based on a variation pattern designated by a variation pattern designation command. Specifically, when a loss variation pattern that can specify that a reach effect is executed is designated, the sub-control CPU 41 determines a loss symbol combination for a reach. In this embodiment, the loss symbol combination for a reach is a combination of effect symbols in which the left and right symbol rows are the same and the center symbol row is different. When a loss variation pattern that can specify that a reach effect is not executed is designated, the sub-control CPU 41 determines a loss symbol combination for a normal loss. In this embodiment, a losing symbol combination for normal losing is a combination of symbols in which the symbols in all columns are different.

When the sub-control CPU 41 inputs a variation pattern designation command, it determines the effects to be executed during the execution of the special game based on the variation pattern specified by the input variation pattern designation command. In this embodiment, the determination ratio of the effects to be executed during the execution of the special game varies depending on the variation pattern specified by the variation pattern designation command. Then, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the effect display device EH to execute the determined effects.

Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs a variation pattern designation command, it subtracts 1 from the value stored in the total pending number flag of the sub-control RAM 43. The sub-control CPU 41 also controls the performance display device EH to display an execution image JG that can identify that a special game is being played. Furthermore, if the value stored in the subtracted total pending number flag is 1 or greater, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the performance display device EH to update the display of the pending image HG based on the value stored in the total pending number flag. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 stores information that can identify that a special game and a performance game are being played in the in-game flag of the sub-control RAM 43.

The sub-control CPU 41 also performs processing to control the presentation mode. The sub-control CPU 41 identifies the presentation mode to be controlled in the presentation game to be executed by referencing the determined mode flag corresponding to the presentation game to be executed, which is stored in the sub-control RAM 43. The sub-control CPU 41 then controls the presentation mode to be specified in the presentation game to be executed. At this time, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the presentation display device EH, the speaker SP, and the decorative lamp LA so that a presentation is executed according to the presentation mode being controlled. The sub-control CPU 41 also stores information capable of identifying the controlled presentation mode as presentation mode information in the presentation mode information flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43.

The sub-control CPU 41 also determines whether it has been controlled to the presentation mode MD1C, MD1D, MD2C, or MD2D. When it has been controlled to the presentation mode MD1C, MD1D, MD2C, or MD2D, the sub-control CPU 41 determines whether it has input a variation pattern designation command for a variation pattern that results in a jackpot. When it has input a variation pattern designation command for a variation pattern that results in a jackpot, the sub-control CPU 41 identifies the current appearance rate of the special light-emitting effect based on the value stored in the appearance rate flag of the sub-control RAM 43, and controls the decorative lamp LA to execute the special light-emitting effect at a predetermined timing during the execution of the special game based on the identified appearance rate. On the other hand, when it has not been controlled to the presentation mode MD1C, MD1D, MD2C, or MD2D, or when it has not input a variation pattern designation command for a variation pattern that results in a jackpot, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the decorative lamp LA so as not to execute the special light-emitting effect during the execution of the special game.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 judges whether or not it has been controlled to the presentation mode MDPR. If it has been controlled to the presentation mode MDPR, the sub-control CPU 41 judges whether or not it has input a variation pattern designation command for a variation pattern that results in a jackpot. If a variation pattern designation command for a variation pattern that results in a jackpot has been input, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the speaker SP to execute a specific sound effect at a predetermined timing during the execution of the special game based on a predetermined occurrence rate of the specific sound effect. On the other hand, if it has not been controlled to the presentation mode MDPR, or if a variation pattern designation command for a variation pattern that results in a jackpot has not been input, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the decorative lamp LA so as not to execute a specific sound effect during the execution of the special game.

Then, the sub-control CPU 41 ends the presentation game by controlling the display content of the presentation display device EH to derive a combination of presentation symbols in response to the input of the game end command. The sub-control CPU 41 may also time a variation time determined from a specified variation pattern in response to the input of a variation pattern designation command, and end the presentation game when the variation time has elapsed. In other words, the sub-control CPU 41 may control the end of the presentation game without inputting a game end command from the main control board 30. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 erases the information stored in the game in-game flag of the sub-control RAM 43.

Next, the processing related to the big win game performed by the sub-control CPU 41 will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 41 inputs an opening command, it controls the effect display device EH to perform an opening effect. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 stores information capable of identifying that a jackpot game is being played in the jackpot during flag of the sub-control RAM 43. Furthermore, when a round command is input, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the effect display device EH to perform a round effect. Furthermore, when an ending command is input, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the effect display device EH to perform an ending effect. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 erases the information capable of identifying that a jackpot game is being played, which is stored in the jackpot during flag of the sub-control RAM 43, at the timing when the performance time of the ending effect ends.

Next, the processing related to the waiting presentation performed by the sub-control CPU 41 will be described.
When the sub-control CPU 41 inputs a demo command, it stores information that can identify a standby state in the standby flag of the sub-control RAM 43, and controls the effect display device EH to perform a standby effect. The standby effect is performed once until a predetermined effect time has elapsed. If the effect time has elapsed without an end condition being met during the standby effect, the standby effect is repeatedly executed. The end condition for the standby effect is that a special game is started. If the end condition for the standby effect is met, the sub-control CPU 41 erases the information stored in the standby flag of the sub-control RAM 43, and ends the standby effect.

Next, various notifications related to the presentation modes that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be explained. Notifications related to the presentation modes that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 include mode change possible status notifications, mode decision notifications, and mode notifications.

First, the mode change possible situation notification will be described.
The mode change possible situation notification indicates information that can identify a situation in which it is possible to win the pre-mode determination lottery (a situation in which a specific condition can be met) in the presentation mode pre-determination process performed by the sub-control CPU 41 when the reserved conditions for a special game are met.

Specifically, the mode change possible status notification is executed in a notification manner in which a notification image KKH imitating the text string "Mode change possible" is displayed at the top of the image display section GH on the presentation display device EH. After the pre-mode determination lottery is won, when a special game in which the hold condition is met is played, the presentation mode may be changed to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode controlled in the special game played immediately before the special game. For this reason, in this embodiment, the notification image KKH is displayed to succinctly convey that an event (mode change) may occur after the pre-mode determination lottery is won. In this embodiment, the mode change possible status notification corresponds to a predetermined notification.

The mode change possible status notification is executed during the standby state, during the period when the SR performance is not being executed during the execution of the special game and the first special reserve number and the second special reserve number are both less than the upper limit number, and during the period when the jackpot game is being executed and the first special reserve number and the second special reserve number are both less than the upper limit number.

Next, the mode determination notification will be described.
The mode determination notification indicates information that can identify that a pre-mode determination lottery has been won (a specific condition has been met) in the presentation mode pre-determination process performed by the sub-control CPU 41 when the hold conditions for a special game are met.

Specifically, the mode determination notification is executed in a notification mode in which a notification sound KO saying "mode determined" is output from the speaker SP. When the mode determination lottery is won, one of multiple presentation modes is determined by lottery. Therefore, in this embodiment, the notification sound KO is output, so that the event that occurs when the mode determination lottery is won is briefly communicated. In this embodiment, the mode determination notification corresponds to a special notification.

The mode determination notification is executed in the processing of step S209 shown in FIG. 8 if the pre-mode determination lottery is won in the presentation mode pre-determination processing performed by the sub-control CPU 41. In other words, the mode determination notification is executed at the timing when the presentation mode is determined by the first mode lottery or the second mode lottery. The notification sound KO is output until a predetermined output time (specific time) has elapsed after output has started. In other words, the mode determination notification in this embodiment is a notification that ends when a specific time has elapsed after the notification has started.

Next, the mode notification will be described.
The mode notification is a notification of information that can identify a pre-determined presentation mode in a running special game and a reserved special game. In the mode notification, when a presentation mode to be controlled when a special game for which a reserved condition is satisfied is executed is determined in advance, information that can identify the pre-determined presentation mode is notified corresponding to each special game for which a reserved condition is satisfied. In this embodiment, the type of pre-determined presentation mode and the type of music to be output in the pre-determined presentation mode are notified as information that can identify the pre-determined presentation mode.

Specifically, the mode notification is executed by the effect display device EH in a notification manner in which a mode notification image MH (MH0 to MH8) is displayed in an area above the area in which the execution image JG or reserved image HG of the special game corresponding to the mode notification is displayed, so as to correspond to the execution image JG or reserved image HG. The mode notification image MH notifies the type of pre-determined presentation mode and the type of music to be output in the presentation mode by using text. The type of music to be output in the pre-determined presentation mode is information regarding the presentation content in the special game executed when controlled to the pre-determined presentation mode. That is, in this embodiment, information that can identify the determined presentation mode is notified by executing the mode notification. The information that can identify the determined presentation mode includes information regarding the presentation content in the special game executed when controlled to the presentation mode. In this embodiment, the mode notification corresponds to a specific notification.

The mode notification is executed in step S212 when the presentation mode to be controlled when the special game for which the reserved condition is satisfied is executed is determined in advance in the presentation mode advance determination process performed by the sub-control CPU 41. The mode notification is started when a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs the look-ahead command due to the reserved condition of the special game that is the subject of the mode notification being satisfied. The timing when the predetermined time has elapsed from the timing when the look-ahead command is input is specified as a timing after the timing when the mode determination notification is started when the mode determination notification is performed. As a result, in this embodiment, when the mode determination notification is performed, the mode notification is started at a timing after the timing when the mode determination notification is started. As a result, in this embodiment, when the presentation mode is determined in advance by lottery, after it is suggested that the pre-mode determination lottery has been won, information that can identify the determined presentation mode is notified. The mode notification continues to be executed even after the special game that is the subject of the mode notification is started, and ends when the special game that is the subject of the mode notification ends.

In this embodiment, even during periods when mode notification can be executed, the mode notification is restricted so that the mode notification image MH is not displayed during the execution of the SR performance development notification described below, during the execution of the SR performance, and during the execution of the jackpot game.

Next, other notifications that can be performed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
In the pachinko game machine 10, when the SR effect is executed by developing the content of the NR effect during the execution of a special game, an SR effect development notification is executed during the period from the end of the NR effect to the start of the SR effect. In the SR effect development notification, it is notified that the SR effect will be executed during the execution of the special game as information on the effect in the currently executed special game. Then, the SR effect development notification is executed in a notification mode in which a development notification image SRH imitating a character string of "SR1 effect development" or "SR2 effect development" is displayed on the effect display device EH depending on the type of SR effect to be executed. Since the SR effect is an effect with a higher expectation of winning the jackpot lottery in the currently executed special game than the NR effect, the SR effect development notification indirectly suggests whether the currently executed special game will be a jackpot. Then, in this embodiment, when the special game is executed, regardless of which presentation mode is controlled, if the SR effect is executed during the execution of the special game, the SR effect development notification is executed. In this embodiment, the SR performance development notification corresponds to a special notification.

Here, the processing by the sub-control CPU 41 to perform various notifications will be described.
First, the mode change possible status notification process for the sub-control CPU 41 to notify the mode change possible status will be described. In the mode change possible status notification process, the sub-control CPU 41 judges whether it is in a standby state by referring to the standby flag in the sub-control RAM 43. Also, the sub-control CPU 41 judges whether the SR performance is not being performed during the execution of the special game and whether the total reserved number is less than the upper limit by referring to the game in progress flag, the total reserved number flag, and the SR performance in progress flag in the sub-control RAM 43. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 judges whether the jackpot game is being executed and the total reserved number is less than the upper limit by referring to the jackpot in progress flag and the total reserved number flag in the sub-control RAM 43.

When in standby mode, when the SR effect is not being executed during the execution of the special game and the total number of reserved balls is less than the upper limit, and when a jackpot game is being executed and the total number of reserved balls is less than the upper limit, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the effect display device EH to display the notification image KKH on the image display unit GH.

Next, the decision notification process by the sub-control CPU 41 to notify the mode decision will be described. The decision notification process is performed by the sub-control CPU 41 in step S209 in FIG. 8. In the decision notification process, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the speaker SP to output the notification sound KO. The sub-control CPU 41 also measures the time that has elapsed since the output of the notification sound KO was started. The sub-control CPU 41 then controls the speaker SP to end the output of the notification sound KO at a timing when a predetermined output time has elapsed since the output of the notification sound KO was started.

Next, the mode notification process by which the sub-control CPU 41 notifies the mode will be described. The mode notification process is performed by the sub-control CPU 41 in step S212 in FIG. 8. In the mode notification process, the sub-control CPU 41 measures the time that has elapsed since the timing of inputting a look-ahead command for the special game that is the subject of the mode notification. Then, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the performance display device EH to display a mode notification image MH in an area above the area in the image display unit GH that displays the execution image JG or reserved image HG of the special game that is the subject of the mode notification, at a timing when a predetermined time has elapsed from the timing of inputting the look-ahead command.

In addition, when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs a game end command during the effect symbol change process, it controls the effect display device EH to end the display of the mode notification image MH displayed in the area above the area in which the execution image JG is displayed. This causes the mode notification to end at the timing when the special game that is the subject of the mode notification ends.

Next, the SR performance development notification process for the sub-control CPU41 to notify the SR performance development will be described. In the SR performance development notification process, the sub-control CPU41 judges whether a variation pattern designation command capable of identifying the variation pattern HP05 to HP08 in which the SR performance is executed has been input. If a variation pattern designation command capable of identifying the variation pattern HP05 to HP08 has not been input, the sub-control CPU41 ends the SR performance development notification process. On the other hand, if a variation pattern designation command capable of identifying the variation pattern HP05 to HP08 has been input, the sub-control CPU41 measures the time that has elapsed since the performance game was started. Then, the sub-control CPU41 controls the performance display device EH to start displaying the development notification image SRH at the timing when the time has elapsed from the start of the performance game to the end of the NR performance. After that, the sub-control CPU41 controls the performance display device EH to end displaying the development notification image SRH at the timing when the time has elapsed from the start of the performance game to the start of the SR performance. Also, when the development notification image SRH is displayed, if the mode notification image MH, execution image JG, and reserved image HG are displayed, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the performance display device EH so that the mode notification image MH, execution image JG, and reserved image HG are not displayed during the period in which the development notification image SRH is displayed. Note that the sub-control CPU 41 performs processing separate from the SR performance development notification processing, so that even during the execution of the SR performance and the execution of a jackpot game, if the mode notification image MH, execution image JG, and reserved image HG are displayed, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the performance display device EH so that they are not displayed.

Next, the control of the presentation mode when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is interrupted and then resumed will be described.
In this embodiment, when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off and then resumed, the presentation mode to be controlled when the power supply is resumed is predefined by the presentation mode controlled before the power supply was cut off. Specifically, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the presentation modes MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, and MDCH, when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off and then resumed, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the presentation mode MDPR regardless of whether the main backup information has been initialized or not. On the other hand, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the presentation mode MDPR, when the power supply is resumed after the power supply is cut off, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled to the presentation mode MDPR even when the power supply is resumed, regardless of whether the main backup information has been initialized or not. In this way, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off and then resumed, the presentation mode may be different from that before the power supply was cut off, or may be controlled to the same presentation mode as before the power supply was cut off, depending on the presentation mode controlled before the power supply was cut off.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the power supply is cut off while there is a special game on hold, and the main backup information is not initialized when the power supply is resumed, the device is configured to be controlled to the presentation mode MDPR even when the reserved special game is executed after the power supply is resumed.

Here, the process performed by the sub-control CPU 41 when power supply is restarted after being cut off will be described.
The sub-control CPU 41 judges whether an initialization command and a return command have been input. When either the initialization command or the return command has been input, the sub-control CPU 41 refers to the presentation mode information stored in the presentation mode information flag of the sub-control RAM 43. Since the presentation mode information is sub-backup information, the sub-control CPU 41 can identify the presentation mode that was controlled before the power supply was cut off by referring to the presentation mode information. Then, when the identified presentation mode is any of the presentation modes MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, and MDCH, the sub-control CPU 41 controls to the presentation mode MDPR. Also, when the identified presentation mode is the presentation mode MDPR, the sub-control CPU 41 controls to the presentation mode MDPR. Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 41 stores information capable of identifying the presentation mode MDPR in the presentation mode information flag.

In addition, when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs an initialization command, it stores a value in the reserved number flag of the sub-control RAM 43 that can identify that the reserved number is 0. Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs an initialization command, it erases the information stored in the in-game flag, the SR performance flag, and the jackpot flag of the sub-control RAM 43. On the other hand, when a return command is input, the sub-control CPU 41 maintains the value backed up in the reserved number flag, and the information stored in the performance mode information flag, the in-game flag, the SR performance flag, and the jackpot flag. Then, the sub-control CPU 41 controls the performance display device EH so that a mode change possible status notification can be executed at the timing when the power supply is started by executing a mode change possible status notification process separately from this process. Furthermore, when a return command is input, the sub-control CPU 41 identifies the reserved number of the special game at the time when the power supply is cut off by referring to the reserved number flag of the sub-control RAM 43. Then, the sub-control CPU 41 starts counting the number of times the variable pattern designation command has been input, and controls the presentation mode MDPR until the number of variable pattern designation commands input equals the identified reserved number plus 1.

Next, specific examples of various notifications performed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 of this embodiment will be described.
First, referring to FIG. 11 , an example will be described in which various notifications are executed when a special game is being executed and there is no special game on hold, and the hold condition for the special game is met.

As shown in FIG. 11, during the period from time T01 to time T02, the special game TG0 is being executed without a special game being held in a reserved state. At this time, the execution image JG corresponding to the special game TG0 is displayed on the image display section GH, and in the area above the area in which the execution image JG is displayed, the mode notification image MH0 is displayed as a mode notification corresponding to the special game TG0. In the mode notification image MH0, the type of presentation mode determined in advance is notified by the character string "MD2A", and the type of music to be output in the presentation mode MD2A is notified by the character string "5th music". Note that in the mode notification images MH0 to MH8 shown in FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, the character string notifying the type of presentation mode determined in advance is illustrated, but the character string notifying the type of music to be output in the presentation mode determined in advance is omitted. Also, at this time, since the special game is being executed and the total number of reserved games is less than the upper limit, a mode change possible status notification is performed. At this time, the notification image KKH is displayed at the top of the image display section GH.

Then, at time T02, the reservation conditions for the first special game, special game TG1, are met. At this time, the first reserved image HG1, indicating that special game TG1 is on hold, is displayed on the image display unit GH. Then, the pre-mode determination lottery performed by the sub-control CPU 41 is won, and presentation mode MD1A is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when special game TG1 is executed. In this case, at time T02, a mode determination notification is started due to the presentation mode MD1A being determined. That is, output of notification sound KO is started from speaker SP. At this time, after output has started, the notification sound KO is continuously output until time T04, when a predetermined output time has elapsed.

Then, at time T03, a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the reservation conditions for the special game TG1 were met, mode notification for the special game TG1 begins. At this time, a mode notification image MH1 is displayed in the area above the area in which the reserved image HG1 is displayed. In the mode notification image MH1, the type of presentation mode determined in advance is notified by the character string "MD1A," and the type of music to be output in presentation mode MD1A is notified by the character string "First Music."

After that, at time T05, special game TG0 ends and special game TG1 starts, and control is performed to presentation mode MD1A. At this time, the mode announcement image MH1 moves to the area above the area in which the execution image JG of special game TG1 is displayed and continues to be displayed. In this way, in this embodiment, if the mode announcement is started before the special game that is the subject of the mode announcement is started, the mode announcement continues to be executed even after the special game that is the subject of the mode announcement is started.

In addition, at time T06 during the execution of special game TG1, the reservation condition for special game TG2, which is the second special game, is established. At this time, the first reserved image HG1 indicating that special game TG2 is reserved is displayed on the image display unit GH. At this time, the presentation mode MD1A, which is the same as the presentation mode controlled in the special game TG1 executed immediately before special game TG2, is pre-determined as the presentation mode to be controlled when special game TG2 is executed without winning the pre-mode determination lottery performed by the sub-control CPU41. In this case, since the pre-mode determination lottery was not won, no mode determination notification is executed due to the presentation mode MD1A being pre-determined at time T06.

After that, at time T07, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation condition for the special game TG2 was established, mode notification for the special game TG2 is started. At this time, a mode notification image MH2 is displayed in the area above the area in which the reserved image HG1 is displayed. In the mode notification image MH2, the type of presentation mode determined in advance is notified by the character string "MD1A", and the type of music to be output in the presentation mode MD1A is notified by the character string "First Music". In this embodiment, the mode notification is performed in a notification manner in which a mode notification image MH that notifies the type of presentation mode determined in advance and the type of music to be output in the predetermined presentation mode by a character string is displayed on the image display unit GH, regardless of which of the multiple presentation modes is controlled. In other words, in this embodiment, the mode notification is performed in the same notification manner regardless of which of the multiple presentation modes is controlled.

After that, at time T08, special game TG1 ends and special game TG2 begins. At this time, control continues in presentation mode MD1A. Also, at time T08, mode notification for special game TG1 ends, while mode notification for special game TG2 continues.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when the presentation mode to be controlled when a reserved special game is executed is determined in advance, a mode determination notification can be executed, which indicates that one of the multiple presentation modes has been determined in advance by lottery. Then, when the presentation mode has been determined in advance, a mode notification is executed, which notifies information that can identify the determined presentation mode.

Next, referring to FIG. 12, we will explain an example of how various notifications are issued when a special game is being played and there are seven special games on hold, and the conditions for holding the special game are met.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the period from time T11 to time T12, special game TG0 is being executed with seven special games on hold. At this time, an execution image JG and a mode notification image MH0 corresponding to special game TG0 are displayed in the image display section GH. In addition, pending images HG1 to HG7 and mode notification images MH1 to MH7 corresponding to the first to seventh pending special games TG0 to TG7 are displayed in the image display section GH. At this time, a special game is being executed and the total number of pending games is less than the upper limit, so a notification of the mode change possible situation is issued.

Then, at time T12, the reservation conditions for special game TG8 are met as the eighth special game to be reserved. At this time, the eighth reserved image HG8 indicating that special game TG8 is reserved is displayed on the image display unit GH. Then, the pre-mode determination lottery performed by the sub-control CPU 41 is won, and presentation mode MDPR is determined in advance as the presentation mode to be controlled when special game TG8 is executed. In this case, at time T12, a mode determination notification is initiated due to the determination of presentation mode MDPR. Also, at this time, since the total number of reserved special games has reached the upper limit, the mode change possible status notification is terminated. In other words, the notification image KKH is erased from the image display unit GH.

Then, at time T13, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the reservation condition for the special game TG8 was met, mode notification for the special game TG8 begins. At this time, a mode notification image MH8 is displayed in the area above the area in which the reservation image HG8 is displayed.

After that, at time T14, special game TG0 ends and special game TG1 begins. At this time, the total number of reserved special games again falls below the upper limit, so notification of the mode change possible status is resumed.

Next, referring to FIG. 13, an example will be described in which various notifications are executed when a SR presentation is executed during the execution of a special game in the normal state, a jackpot is hit, and the game is controlled to an advantageous state after the jackpot play ends. Note that the explanation from time T21 to time T24 is the same as that in FIG. 11, so the explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the special game TG0 is being executed, a reach is formed in the execution game, and the NR effect is executed in the period from time T24 to time T25. In this embodiment, the mode change possible status notification can be executed even during the execution of the NR effect. That is, even when the NR effect is being executed, when the total number of reserved special games is less than the upper limit number, the notification image KKH is displayed on the image display unit GH. In addition, in this embodiment, the mode decision notification can be executed even during the execution of the NR effect. That is, when the mode decision notification is executed, the notification sound KO is output from the speaker SP even during the execution of the NR effect. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mode notification can be executed even during the execution of the NR effect. And, as in this example, there are cases where the NR effect starts during the execution of the mode notification, and in this case, the mode notification images MH0 and MH1 continue to be displayed on the image display unit GH even after the NR effect starts.

After that, at time T25, the NR performance ends and the SR performance development notification starts. At this time, the development notification image SRH is displayed on the image display unit GH. In this embodiment, the mode change possible status notification can be executed even during the execution of the SR performance development notification. That is, even during the execution of the SR performance development notification, when the total number of reserved special games is less than the upper limit number, the notification image KKH is displayed on the image display unit GH. Note that in this embodiment, as at time T25, the SR performance development notification may start during the execution of the mode notification, but the mode notification is configured to be restricted in situations where the SR performance development notification is executed, the SR performance is executed, and the jackpot game is executed. In this embodiment, when the mode notification is restricted, the mode notification image MH is configured not to be displayed. In addition, the mode notification is not limited to being restricted so that the mode notification image MH is no longer displayed, but may be configured so that when the mode notification image MH is displayed, the SR presentation development notification, the SR presentation, and the presentation during the big win game are executed, so that part or all of the mode notification image MH cannot be seen. In addition, in this embodiment, when the mode notification is restricted, the display of the reserved image HG is also restricted.

At time T26, the reservation conditions for the special game TG2 are met as the second special game to be reserved. Then, the pre-mode determination lottery performed by the sub-control CPU 41 is won, and the presentation mode MD2C is determined in advance as the presentation mode to be controlled when the special game TG2 is executed. In this embodiment, the mode determination notification can be executed while the SR presentation development notification is being executed and while the SR presentation is being executed. Therefore, at time T26, a mode determination notification is initiated due to the presentation mode MD2C being determined. Then, even if the SR presentation is started during the execution of the mode determination notification at time T28, the mode determination notification will continue to be executed if the predetermined time has not elapsed since the mode determination notification was started.

The SR1 effect is also executed from time T28 to time T29. Note that in this embodiment, while the SR effect is being executed, the pre-mode selection lottery is not executed in the pre-determination process of the effect mode performed by the sub-control CPU 41. Therefore, in this embodiment, during the period when the SR effect is being executed, no notification of the mode change possible situation is made. In other words, while the SR effect is being executed, the notification image KKH is not displayed on the image display unit GH.

Then, when the SR effect ends and the big win game starts at time T29, the mode change possible status notification starts. Also, when the big win game ends at time T30, the game becomes advantageous and the special game TG1 starts. At this time, the mode notification is no longer restricted due to the end of the big win game. That is, the mode notification image MH1 of the special game TG1 and the mode notification image MH2 of the special game TG2 are displayed on the image display unit GH, and the execution image JG of the special game TG1 and the reserved image HG1 of the special game TG2 are also displayed. In this embodiment, the mode notification is performed in a notification manner in which the mode notification image MH, which notifies the type of the predetermined presentation mode and the type of music to be output in the predetermined presentation mode by a character string, is displayed on the image display unit GH in both the normal state and the advantageous state. That is, in this embodiment, the mode notification is performed in the same notification manner in both the normal state and the advantageous state.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14, an example will be described in which various notifications are given when the power supply is restarted after the power supply is cut off during the execution of a special game.
14, during the execution of the special game TG0, the game is controlled to the presentation mode MD2A from time T31 to T32, and a mode change possible status notification and mode notification of the special game TG0 and the special game TG1 are executed. Then, at time T32, the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off, and then, at time T33, the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is resumed and the main backup information is not initialized. At this time, the game is controlled to the presentation mode MDPR in the special game TG0 being executed.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 10 is cut off and then the power supply is resumed, the mode notification is not executed, regardless of whether the main backup information is initialized, even if the mode notification was executed before the power supply was cut off. That is, even if the mode notification image MH was displayed before the power supply was cut off, the mode notification image MH is not displayed when the power supply is resumed. Note that, even if there is a special game being executed and a special game on hold when the power supply is resumed, the execution image JG and the hold image HG are not displayed. Then, in this case, the execution image JG and the hold image HG are displayed when the hold condition for the special game is satisfied next. Also, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the hold condition was satisfied, the mode notification is executed, and the mode notification image MH for the special game for which the hold condition was satisfied is displayed. At this time, the mode notification images MH0 and MH1 that were displayed before the power supply was cut off are not displayed.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the power supply is interrupted and then resumed, and the main backup information is initialized, a mode change possible status notification is initiated at the timing when the power supply is resumed. On the other hand, if the main backup information is not initialized and a mode change possible status notification was executed at the timing when the power supply was interrupted, a mode change possible status notification is initiated at the timing when the power supply is resumed. Also, if the main backup information is not initialized and a mode change possible status notification was not executed at the timing when the power supply was interrupted, a mode change possible status notification is not initiated even at the timing when the power supply is resumed.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) It is possible to determine in advance the presentation mode to be controlled when a reserved special game is executed, and one of a plurality of presentation modes is determined when the pre-mode determination lottery is won, so that attention can be drawn to whether or not the pre-mode determination lottery has been won, and the presentation mode that will be determined when the pre-mode determination lottery is won.

In a situation where there are multiple special games on hold, the player can enjoy a different presentation mode each time a special game is played, preventing the presentation in the special games from becoming monotonous. Even when the presentation mode controlled with high frequency changes in multiple consecutive special games, such as when a different presentation mode is controlled each time a special game is played, a mode notification is made when the presentation mode is determined in advance, making it easy for the player to grasp the type of presentation mode that will change before being controlled to that presentation mode.

(2) If the pre-mode determination lottery is won, one reserved special game can be controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode controlled in the special game played immediately before that special game. In this case, the player can enjoy presentations using different presentation modes in two consecutive special games, preventing the presentation from becoming monotonous. Furthermore, by executing a mode notification, it is possible to make it easier to understand the type of presentation mode in each of the determined special games, even if the modes determined in advance are different for two consecutive special games.

(3) In this embodiment, the presentation mode is controlled regardless of the type of variation pattern. However, for example, if a variation pattern with a short variation time, such as variation pattern HP02, is determined in a special game, and the presentation mode changes when the next special game is executed, there is a risk that the background image and music in the presentation mode before the change will not be fully enjoyed. For this reason, if the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, the reserved special game is controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode controlled in the special game executed one game before the special game. As a result, even if a variation pattern with a short variation time is determined in a special game, when the presentation mode is determined in advance in the next special game to be executed, it is possible to enjoy the presentation in the presentation mode controlled across two consecutive special games, provided that the pre-mode determination lottery is not won.

(4) It is possible to notify a state in which a mode can be changed. This allows a player to recognize that, by winning the pre-mode determination lottery, a reserved special game can be controlled to a presentation mode different from the presentation mode controlled in the special game played immediately before that special game. Therefore, for example, when the same presentation mode is controlled in multiple consecutive special games, a player who is tired of the presentation in that mode can be made to look forward to a change in the presentation mode controlled when the special game is put on hold. This can increase interest in the game.

(5) The mode notification is executed when the presentation mode to be controlled when a reserved special game is executed is determined in advance, and if the mode notification is started before the start of the special game that is the subject of the mode notification, it continues to be executed after the special game is started. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand the presentation mode that is being controlled not only before the start of the special game that is the subject of the mode notification, but also after the special game that is the subject of the mode notification is started, thereby increasing interest in the game.

(6) By executing the mode notification, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand the presentation mode that has been determined in advance, as well as the presentation content of the special game that is executed when the player is controlled to the presentation mode that has been determined in advance. Therefore, it is possible to make the player understand the relationship between the presentation mode and the presentation content more easily, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

(7) The mode notification is performed in the same notification manner regardless of which of multiple presentation modes is being controlled, making it easy for the player to understand the type of presentation mode that has been determined in advance, regardless of which presentation mode is being controlled.

(8) The mode notification is performed in the same manner in both the normal state and the advantageous state, making it easy for the player to understand the type of presentation mode that has been determined in advance, regardless of whether the game state is normal or advantageous.

(9) When the presentation mode is determined in advance, in addition to the mode notification, a mode determination notification can also be executed. This makes it easier for the player to understand the presentation mode that has been determined in advance, and also makes it easier for the player to understand that one of multiple presentation modes has been determined in advance by lottery. It also makes it easier for the player to understand that the presentation mode may change in a special game in which the presentation mode has been determined in advance.

(10) If the mode decision notification continues even after a predetermined specific time has elapsed after the mode decision notification has started, it may be difficult for the user to grasp the new mode decision notification that will be executed after the specific time has elapsed after the mode decision notification has started. For this reason, the mode decision notification is terminated when the predetermined specific time has elapsed after the mode decision notification has started. This makes it easier for the user to grasp the new mode decision notification that will be executed after the specific time has elapsed after the mode decision notification has started.

(11) If the pre-mode determination lottery is won, the timing at which the mode notification starts is later than the timing at which the mode determination notification starts. This makes it easier to notice the mode notification because, if the pre-mode determination lottery is won, the mode notification is made after the mode determination notification, making it easier to notice the mode notification. As a result, it also makes it easier to draw attention to the content of the mode notification.

(12) The mode decision notification and the mode notification are executed by different performance execution means, which prevents the mode decision notification and the mode notification from being executed by the same performance execution means, making it difficult to understand each notification.

(13) When an SR performance development notification, an SR performance, and a jackpot game are started during execution of a mode notification, the mode notification is restricted in the situation where the SR performance development notification, the SR performance, and the jackpot game are executed. In particular, the SR performance development notification notifies the player of information related to the performance in the special game being executed, and can be said to be a more important notification to the player during execution of the special game, but it is possible to prevent such notifications from becoming difficult to recognize due to the mode notification. Therefore, even during execution of a mode notification, it is possible to make it easier to recognize information related to the performance content of the special game being executed. Furthermore, since the SR performance development notification notifies the player that an SR performance will be executed in the special game being executed, it is possible to make it easier to recognize that an SR performance will be executed in the special game being executed, even during execution of a mode notification.

(14) Regardless of the presentation mode controlled when a special game is being executed, the SR presentation development notification is executed, thereby making it possible to recognize that an SR presentation will be executed in the special game being executed. Furthermore, regardless of the presentation mode controlled when a special game is being executed, if an SR presentation development notification is made during execution of a mode notification, the mode notification is restricted, making it easier to recognize that an SR presentation will be executed in the special game being executed.

(15) The SR performance development notification suggests whether the special game being played will result in a jackpot, so that it is possible to create anticipation that the SR performance development notification will be executed when the special game is being played. In addition, if the SR performance development notification starts while a mode notification is being executed, the mode notification is restricted, so that it is possible to easily recognize whether the special game being played will result in a jackpot.

(16) The presentation mode is determined in advance according to the detection of each of the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, and the third start winning sensor SE3. This allows the player to focus on the relationship between which start winning sensor has been detected and the presentation mode that is determined in advance according to the detection of each start winning sensor, thereby increasing interest in the game.

(17) Different presentation modes can be determined in the case where the pre-mode determination lottery is won after the pre-read command is input in response to the detection of the first start winning sensor SE1 and in the case where the pre-mode determination lottery is won after the pre-mode determination lottery is input in response to the detection of the second start winning sensor SE2 and the third start winning sensor SE3. Therefore, depending on whether the pre-mode determination lottery is won in response to the detection of the first start winning sensor SE1 or the pre-mode determination lottery is won in response to the detection of the second start winning sensor SE2 and the third start winning sensor SE3, the type of presentation mode determined in advance can be made diverse. For example, when a special game in which the pre-mode determination lottery is won in response to the detection of the first start winning sensor SE1 and a special game in which the pre-mode determination lottery is won in response to the detection of the second start winning sensor SE2 or the third start winning sensor SE3 and a presentation mode is determined are played consecutively, the two consecutive special games are controlled to different presentation modes. In other words, even if the reserve conditions for the first special game and the reserve conditions for the second special game are met alternately, the presentation can be prevented from becoming monotonous, thereby increasing interest in the game.

(18) When an SR performance is being executed, even if the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, and the third start winning sensor SE3 are detected, the pre-mode determination lottery is not performed. Then, when an SR performance is being executed, the same presentation mode as the presentation mode controlled in the special game executed immediately before the special game is determined in advance as the presentation mode controlled when the reserved special game is executed. Therefore, when an SR performance is being executed, a player can thoroughly enjoy the SR performance without worrying about whether or not the pre-mode determination lottery will be won when the reserved condition for the special game is met. This can increase interest in the game.

(19) During the execution of a special game, a specific sound effect can be executed by the speaker SP, which can specify that a jackpot result is to be displayed in the special game. When controlled in the effect mode MDPR, the execution of the specific sound effect is not restricted, whereas when controlled in the effect modes MD1A-MD1D, MD2A-MD2D, and MDCH, the execution of the specific sound effect is restricted. Thus, when controlled in the effect mode MDPR, the effect by the speaker SP can be made more noticeable than when controlled in the effect modes MD1A-MD1D, MD2A-MD2D, and MDCH. By executing the specific sound effect, the expectation that the special game being executed will be a jackpot can be heightened, thereby increasing interest in the game.

(20) When the game state is normal and when it is advantageous, different presentation modes, such as SR presentation modes, may be executed. Furthermore, the variable time during which the special game is executed when it is advantageous is likely to be shorter than the variable time during which the special game is executed when it is normal. Even in such a case, the specific sound presentation and the special light-emitting presentation are executed in the same presentation mode when it is normal and when it is advantageous. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand the specific sound presentation and the special light-emitting presentation in both the normal and advantageous game states. In other words, it is possible to make it easier for the player to understand that the jackpot result is displayed in the special game being executed in both the normal and advantageous game states, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

(21) When the game machine is controlled to any of the multiple presentation modes, it is controlled to the presentation mode MDPR when the power supply is restarted after the power supply is cut off. In general, players who come to the game center when the game center opens are considered to be players who want to enjoy a new game when the power supply is restarted after the power supply is cut off from the previous day's state and no game is being played. However, for example, if the presentation mode controlled when the power supply is cut off and restarted is either a specific presentation mode or a specific presentation mode, it may be difficult for the player to understand whether the game is not being played after the power supply is restarted, and the player's motivation to play may decrease. In contrast, when the power supply is cut off and then restarted, it is controlled to the presentation mode MDPR as the specific presentation mode, so that it is easy for the player to understand that the power supply to the game machine is cut off and the power supply is restarted and no game is being played when the game center opens. As a result, players who come to the arcade when it opens are unable to understand that the power supply has been cut off and then restored, meaning that no games are being played, and this can prevent a decline in their desire to play.

(22) For players who want to enjoy the effects executed when controlled in presentation mode MDPR, when the power supply is cut off while controlled in presentation mode MDPR and then the power supply is resumed, it is possible to prevent the player's interest from declining because the player is controlled to a presentation mode different from presentation mode MDPR. Furthermore, by allowing the player to continue to enjoy the effects executed when controlled in presentation mode MDPR even after the power supply is resumed, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the game.

(23) When the device is controlled to one of the presentation modes MD1A-MD1D, MD2A-MD2D, or MDCH, and the power supply is subsequently cut off and then resumed, the device is controlled to presentation mode MDPR, so that the user can expect that a specific sound presentation will be performed in a manner similar to that before the power supply was cut off. Also, when the device is controlled to presentation mode MDPR, and the power supply is subsequently cut off and then resumed, the user can expect that a specific sound presentation will be performed in the same manner as before the power supply was cut off. This can increase the user's interest in the game.

The above-described embodiment can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modified examples can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

- In this embodiment, the type of presentation mode corresponds to the type of background image displayed when controlled to the presentation mode, the type of music output, and the jackpot expectation of the special game that is first executed when controlled to the presentation mode, but is not limited to this. The presentation mode may correspond to some of the background image displayed when controlled to the presentation mode, the type of music, and the jackpot expectation of the special game that is first executed when controlled to the presentation mode. In addition, the type of presentation mode may not correspond to any of the type of background image displayed when controlled to the presentation mode, the type of music output, and the jackpot expectation of the special game that is first executed when controlled to the presentation mode. In this case, the presentation mode may be defined so that the type of presentation that can be executed differs depending on the type of presentation mode controlled, and the presentation mode may be defined so that the content of the presentation that can be executed differs depending on the type of presentation mode controlled.

- In this embodiment, for example, if there are specific effects that can be executed when controlled in each presentation mode, the presentation modes may be defined so that the occurrence rate of the specific effects differs depending on the type of presentation mode.

- In this embodiment, the specific sound effects may be executable in some or all of the effect modes MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, and MDCH. In this case, the occurrence rate of the specific sound effects may be configured to differ depending on the type of effect mode being controlled.

In this embodiment, there may be a presentation mode in which the execution of both specific audio presentations and special light presentations is not restricted.
In this embodiment, when there are two consecutive special games, the normal state is set during the execution of the first reserved special game, and the advantageous state is set during the execution of the second reserved special game. In this case, the execution of the second reserved special game may be controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode controlled in the first reserved special game, regardless of the type of presentation mode determined in advance.

Also, for example, when there are two consecutive special games, if the state is normal during the execution of the first reserved special game and the state is advantageous during the execution of the second reserved special game, when the presentation mode in the first reserved special game is the presentation mode MDPR, the second reserved special game may also be controlled to the presentation mode MDPR. According to this, when the state changes from the normal state to the advantageous state, if the special game before the change to the advantageous state was controlled to the presentation mode MDPR, it is possible to continue to expect that the presentation executed when controlled to the presentation mode MDPR, such as a specific sound presentation, will be executed even after the change to the advantageous state. Also, even if the special games are controlled to the same presentation mode MDPR, the presentation when controlled to the presentation mode MDPR according to the change time of each game state can be enjoyed in the first reserved special game and the second reserved special game. Also, at this time, the presentation mode MDPR may be a presentation mode that can be determined when the special game in which the reserved condition is established is the first special game if the pre-mode determination lottery is won, but cannot be determined when the special game in which the reserved condition is established is the second special game. Also, at this time, the presentation mode MDPR may be a presentation mode that cannot be controlled in an advantageous state, except when the presentation mode in the previously reserved special game is the presentation mode MDPR, in the case where the presentation mode is in a normal state during the execution of the previously reserved special game and in an advantageous state during the execution of the later reserved special game.

- If the normal state is in effect during the execution of a special game that was previously reserved, and the advantageous state is in effect during the execution of a special game that was later reserved, and the presentation mode in the special game that was previously reserved is presentation mode MDPR, the special game that was later reserved may or may not be controlled to presentation mode MDPR. In this case, for example, if the presentation mode MDPR was in effect during the execution of the special game that was previously reserved, it may be determined by lottery whether or not the special game that was later reserved will be controlled to presentation mode MDPR.

- In this embodiment, even if a favorable state is present during the execution of a special game that has been reserved earlier and a normal state is present during the execution of a special game that has been reserved later, the later reserved special game may be controlled to the same presentation mode as that controlled in the previously reserved special game. Also, when there are two consecutive special games, if a favorable state is present during the execution of a special game that has been reserved earlier and a normal state is present during the execution of a special game that has been reserved later, if the presentation mode in the previously reserved special game is presentation mode MDPR, the later reserved special game may also be controlled to presentation mode MDPR.

- In this embodiment, the specific condition is established by winning the pre-mode determination lottery in the presentation mode advance determination process performed by the sub-control CPU 41, but it may also be established, for example, when the player operates the operation means of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in addition to winning the pre-mode determination lottery. Also, regardless of whether the pre-mode determination lottery is won, the specific condition may be established when the operation means of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is operated after the reservation condition for the special game is established.

- In this embodiment, when a game ball is detected by the first start winning sensor SE1, the second start winning sensor SE2, and the third start winning sensor SE3, the detection signals of each start winning sensor SE1 to SE3 may also be directly input to the sub-control CPU 41. Also, at this time, when the sub-control CPU 41 inputs the detection signals of each start winning sensor SE1 to SE3 in the presentation mode pre-determination process, the sub-control CPU 41 may execute a pre-mode determination lottery process regardless of whether a look-ahead command has been input or whether an SR presentation is being executed. In other words, regardless of whether the sub-control CPU 41 inputs a look-ahead command or whether an SR presentation is being executed, a pre-mode determination lottery may be executed in response to the detection signals of each start winning sensor SE1 to SE3.

In addition, when the detection signal of the first start winning sensor SE1 is input, the sub-control CPU 41 may determine the presentation mode by holding a first mode lottery, regardless of whether a look-ahead command has been input, whether an SR presentation is being executed, or whether a pre-mode determination lottery has been won. Similarly, when the detection signal of the second start winning sensor SE2 or the detection signal of the third start winning sensor SE3 is input, the sub-control CPU 41 may determine the presentation mode by holding a second mode lottery, regardless of whether a look-ahead command has been input, whether an SR presentation is being executed, or whether a pre-mode determination lottery has been won.

- In this embodiment, there may be other game states in addition to the normal state and the advantageous state. For example, when a normal symbol is derived, there may be a third game state that can be controlled until a predetermined special game is executed after the end of the jackpot game. In this case, the third game state may be a game state in which the special bonus function is not activated, and the ball entry assistance function and the time-saving function are activated.

In addition, for example, there may be a fourth game state that is controlled when a predetermined number of special games are played without winning a jackpot when in a low probability state. In this case, the fourth game state may be a game state in which the probability variable function is not activated and the ball entry assistance function and the time-saving function are activated (so-called ceiling time-saving state). Furthermore, there may be a fifth game state that is controlled when a predetermined special pattern is derived in a special game. In this case, the predetermined special pattern is different from the jackpot pattern and the loss pattern, and may be a dedicated special pattern that is derived and controlled to the fifth game state. In addition, in this case, the fifth game state may be a game state in which the probability variable function is not activated and the ball entry assistance function and the time-saving function are activated, or may be a game state in which the probability variable function, the ball entry assistance function and the time-saving function are activated. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may have all of the game states of the normal state, advantageous state, third game state, fourth game state, and fifth game state, or may have any two or more of these game states.

In addition, in two consecutive special games, the game state is one of the above game states during the execution of the first reserved special game, and the game state during the execution of the later reserved special game is different from the game state during the execution of the first reserved special game. In this case, the later reserved special game may be controlled to the same presentation mode as the previously reserved special game. In addition, if the game state is one of the above game states during the execution of the first reserved special game, and the game state during the execution of the later reserved special game is different from the game state during the execution of the first reserved special game, when the game state is controlled to the specific presentation mode in the first reserved special game, the later reserved special game may also be controlled to the specific presentation mode.

In this embodiment, after the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved special game is executed is determined in advance, the reservation conditions for the special game are newly established and the pre-mode determination lottery is won (a specific condition is established) before the start of the reserved special game. In such a case, it may be possible to newly determine a presentation mode different from the previously determined presentation mode as the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved special game is executed. In this way, even after the presentation mode to be controlled when the reserved special game is executed is previously determined, the player can pay attention to whether or not the pre-mode determination lottery is won after the reservation conditions for the special game are newly established before the start of the reserved special game. And, for example, even if a presentation mode that does not suit the player's preference is previously determined in the reserved special game, the player can expect that a presentation mode different from the previously determined presentation mode will be determined before the start of the reserved special game due to the reservation conditions for the special game being newly established.

- In this embodiment, in a situation where there is one reserved special game, when the power supply is cut off during the execution of a special game controlled by the presentation mode MDPR, and then when the power supply is resumed, the reservation conditions for the special game are newly established and the pre-mode determination lottery is won (a specific condition is established) before the start of the first special game. Even in such a case, after the power supply is resumed, the presentation mode MDPR may be controlled during the execution of the first reserved special game. In this way, even if the reservation conditions for a special game are newly established and the pre-mode determination lottery is won before the start of the first reserved special game after the power supply is resumed, it is possible to enjoy the presentation of the special game controlled by the presentation mode MDPR in both the running special game and the one reserved special game. Therefore, when the power supply is resumed, it is possible to provide an additional opportunity to enjoy the presentation of the special game controlled by the presentation mode MDPR.

- In this embodiment, in a situation where there is one reserved special game, the power supply is cut off during the execution of a special game controlled by presentation mode MDPR, and then when the power supply is resumed, the reservation conditions for a new special game are met and the player wins the pre-mode determination lottery (a specific condition is met) before the start of the first special game. In such a case, after the power supply is resumed, during the execution of the one reserved special game, there may be cases where the player is controlled to presentation mode MDPR and cases where the player is not controlled to presentation mode MDPR. Note that, if the player is not controlled to presentation mode MDPR during the execution of the one special game, the player may be controlled to the same presentation mode as the presentation mode that is controlled when the special game for which the reservation conditions have been newly met is executed.

- In this embodiment, when there is one reserved special game, if the power supply is cut off and then resumed without initializing the main backup information, the presentation mode MDPR is controlled when the reserved special game is executed. In such a case, if the reservation conditions for a new special game are met after the power supply is resumed and the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, the presentation mode MDPR does not need to be controlled when the special game for which the reservation conditions are newly met is executed. In other words, even if the reservation conditions for a new special game are met after the power supply is resumed and the pre-mode determination lottery is not won, the special game for which the reservation conditions are newly met may not be controlled to the same presentation mode as the special game executed one before the special game. In this case, the presentation mode controlled when the special game for which the reservation conditions are newly met is executed may be determined in advance by referring to the final determination mode flag stored in the sub-control RAM 43.

- In this embodiment, the specific presentation mode (presentation mode MDPR) may have a first specific presentation mode and a second specific presentation mode, which have different presentation contents of the presentation executed when controlled to the presentation mode, such as a background image displayed on the presentation display device EH or music output by the speaker SP. And, even if it is controlled to any of the multiple presentation modes, when the power supply is cut off and then resumed, it is preferable to control to any of the first specific presentation mode and the second specific presentation mode. This makes it easy for the player to understand that the power supply has been resumed after the power supply was cut off, while allowing the player to enjoy presentations with different presentation contents when the power supply is resumed depending on whether it is controlled to the first specific presentation mode or the second specific presentation mode. Therefore, it is possible to provide diversity in the presentation contents in the presentation mode controlled when the power supply is resumed after the power supply is cut off, thereby improving the interest in the game.

In addition, at this time, the first specific presentation mode may be a presentation mode that is controlled when the power supply is resumed after it has been cut off in a normal state, and the second specific presentation mode may be a presentation mode that is controlled when the power supply is resumed after it has been cut off in a favorable state. In this way, for example, when the power supply is cut off when the arcade closes, it is possible to provide diversity to the presentation mode that is controlled when the power supply is resumed the next time the arcade opens, depending on whether it is in a normal state or an advantageous state.

- In this embodiment, the mode notification may suggest information that can identify a pre-determined presentation mode. In this case, for example, the type of presentation mode may not be clearly indicated by a string in the mode notification image MH, but only the type of music that will be output in the presentation mode may be displayed by a string. In this way, the display content shown in the mode notification image MH can provide the enjoyment of imagining the type of presentation mode that was determined in advance.

- In this embodiment, when the power supply is cut off and then the power supply is resumed without initializing the main backup information, the presentation mode may be controlled to be the same as the presentation mode that was controlled when the power supply was cut off.

- In this embodiment, the mode notification for the special game currently being executed and the mode notification for the special game on hold are executed in the same notification manner, but the mode notification for the special game currently being executed may be executed in priority over the mode notification for the special game on hold. In this case, for example, the display area in which the mode notification image MH for the special game currently being executed is displayed may be configured to be larger than the display area in which the mode notification image MH for the special game on hold is displayed. Also, for example, only the mode notification image MH for the special game currently being executed may be displayed, and the mode notification image MH for the special game on hold may not be displayed.

- In this embodiment, the mode notification may be configured to end when a predetermined time has elapsed after the mode notification has started. This allows the player to pay attention to the time when the mode notification is issued, and even if the mode notification has started, after the predetermined time has elapsed the player can enjoy playing the game without worrying about the mode notification.

- In this embodiment, if a special game is started after the hold condition for that special game is met and before a mode notification for that special game is started, the mode notification may be started at the timing when the special game is started.

- In this embodiment, depending on the type of presentation mode notified by the mode notification, after the mode notification has started, the mode notification may continue until the special game that is the subject of the mode notification has ended, or the mode notification may end when a predetermined time has elapsed after the mode notification has started.

- In this embodiment, mode notification is restricted during the execution of the SR performance development notification, during the execution of the SR performance, and during the jackpot game, but the configuration may be such that mode notification is not restricted during some or all of these periods.

In the present embodiment, a specific preview effect may be executed while the special game is being executed, and the mode notification may be restricted while the specific preview effect is being executed.
In this embodiment, the mode determination notification may be a notification of information that can identify that the pre-mode determination lottery has been won. In this case, for example, a notification sound KO saying "You have won the pre-mode determination lottery" may be output. This allows the player to directly understand that you have won the pre-mode determination lottery, making it easier for the player to pay attention to the mode notification that is executed thereafter.

- In this embodiment, the mode determination notification is a notification that is executed when the pre-mode determination lottery is won (a specific condition is met), but even if the pre-mode determination lottery is not won or a pre-mode determination lottery is not held, the notification may be executed when the presentation mode that will be controlled when the reserved special game is executed is determined in advance. The mode determination notification may suggest information that can identify that the presentation mode has been determined in advance, or may notify information that can identify that the presentation mode has been determined in advance. This makes it easier for players to understand that the presentation mode for the reserved special game has been determined in advance, regardless of whether the pre-mode determination lottery is won or not.

In this embodiment, the mode notification may be started at the same time as the mode determination notification is started. In this way, at the time when one of the multiple presentation modes is determined in advance by lottery, information that can identify the determined presentation mode can be quickly notified.

- In this embodiment, the mode determination notification may continue until the timing at which control is switched to the determined presentation mode, rather than ending when a specific time has elapsed since the notification began.

In the present embodiment, the mode determination notification may be continuously executed after the notification is started until the next special game is started.
-In this embodiment, the mode change possible situation notification, mode decision notification, mode notification, and SR performance development notification may be notifications executed by one or more performance execution means, including the performance display device EH, the speaker SP, and the decorative lamp LA.

- In this embodiment, the mode change possible situation notification may be a notification of information that can identify that the situation is such that it is possible to win the pre-mode selection lottery. In this case, the mode change possible situation notification may display a notification image KKH that imitates the text string "You are in a situation where you can win the pre-mode selection lottery."

- In this embodiment, the mode change possible status notification may not be executed during a jackpot game, or may be limited during a jackpot game. In this case, limiting the mode change possible status notification may include making the notification image KKH invisible or difficult to see due to the presentation executed during a jackpot game. In addition, while the mode change possible status notification is not executed during the execution of an SR presentation, it may continue to be executed even if the upper limit for the number of reserved special games is reached.

- In this embodiment, during the execution of a special game in which an SR performance is executed, an SR performance development notification may or may not be executed. Note that if an SR performance development notification is not executed, it is preferable to start the SR performance when the NR performance ends.

- In this embodiment, the SR performance development notification notifies the player that an SR performance will be executed while the special game is being played, but it may also suggest that an SR performance will be executed while the special game is being played. In this case, for example, a development notification image SRH imitating the text string "May develop into an SR performance" may be displayed on the image display unit GH. This allows the player to have fun predicting whether or not an SR performance will develop when the SR performance development notification is executed.

- In this embodiment, the SR performance development notification suggests whether the special game being executed will result in a jackpot, but there may also be cases where it is notified whether the special game being executed will result in a jackpot. In this case, for example, the SR performance development notification may have multiple types of notification content, and the multiple types of notification content may include a notification that an SR performance will be executed during execution of the special game, and a notification that the special game being executed will result in a jackpot.

- In this embodiment, the SR performance development notification is executed in a notification mode in which the development notification image SRH is displayed on the performance display device EH, but in addition to this, or instead, the SR performance development notification may be executed in a notification mode that suggests that an SR performance will be executed by operating a movable body provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10.

- In this embodiment, the customization function may include a customization function related to the so-called auto button function. In this case, for example, when the auto button function is on, even if the operation button is not operated during the effective operation period of the operation button in the performance game, the operation button is deemed to have been operated at a specified timing, and a predetermined performance that can be executed in response to the operation of the operation button is executed.

In this embodiment, the customization function may include a customization function related to light amount adjustment.
- In this embodiment, as a customization function, there may be a customization function that allows a specific preview effect to be executed while a special game is being played, and allows the appearance rate of the specific preview effect to be set from multiple predetermined appearance rates.

- In this embodiment, when a specific condition is met, the presentation mode is determined in advance by a first mode lottery and a second mode lottery, but this is not limited thereto, and the configuration may be such that when a specific condition is met, the player can select a presentation mode that has been determined in advance.

- In this embodiment, when the distribution start unit 15 is not provided and the ball entry assistance function is not activated, the game may be played mainly by having the game ball enter the first start entry port 16 to execute the first special game.

The present embodiment may be embodied in a gaming machine (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine) that awards a jackpot game when a gaming ball is detected by a specific sensor.
In this embodiment, the sub-control board 40 is a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that specializes in controlling the performance display device EH, a sound control board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and a lamp control board that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA may be provided separately from the sub-control board 40. Also, some or all of the display control board, sound control board, and lamp control board may be the same board. Also, the sub-control CPU 41 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

- In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be equipped with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 30 and the sub-control board 40. The functions of the main control board 30 may also be realized by dividing them into multiple boards. The main control CPU 31 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

- In this embodiment, the type of jackpot may be changed as appropriate. For example, some or all of the upper limit number of rounds in a jackpot game, the opening time of the jackpot opening, and the number of times the jackpot opening is opened may be changed.

- In this embodiment, the first special game and the second special game may be played according to the order in which the game balls enter each of the starting winning slots 16, 17, and 18, or may be played simultaneously in parallel.

- In this embodiment, the maximum value of the special reserved number may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the maximum value of the first special reserved number and the maximum value of the second special reserved number may be different values. Furthermore, the main control CPU 31 may perform control so as not to reserve execution of either the first special game or the second special game.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described below.
(i) The performance execution means is capable of executing the special notification when a variable game is being executed, and the special notification suggests or notifies the player whether the variable game being executed will result in a jackpot.

(b) A gaming machine in which the performance execution means terminates the specific notification when a predetermined time has elapsed after starting the specific notification.
(c) A gaming machine capable of suspending the execution of a variable game, comprising: a presentation execution means capable of executing a presentation; and a presentation control means for controlling the presentation execution means, wherein the presentation control means is capable of controlling a mode related to the presentation, and is capable of determining in advance the mode to be controlled when the suspended variable game is executed, and is capable of controlling the presentation execution means so that a presentation is executed according to the controlled mode, and when the mode is determined in advance, when a specific condition is met, the presentation execution means determines one of a plurality of modes, and is capable of executing a special notification which suggests or notifies information by which it is possible to identify that the mode has been determined in advance, and when the mode to be controlled when the suspended variable game is executed has been determined in advance, the special notification is executed, and in a situation where there are a plurality of suspended variable games, the gaming machine is capable of controlling any two consecutive suspended variable games to different modes among the plurality of suspended variable games.

10... Pachinko gaming machine 11... Frame body 12... Installation frame 13... Mounting frame 14... Information display device 14a... First special symbol display section 14b... Second special symbol display section 14c... First special reserve display section 14d... Second special reserve display section 14e... Normal symbol display section 14f... Normal reserve display section 15... Allocation start unit 15a... Ball entrance 15b... Ball passage 15c... Allocation member 16... First start winning port 17... Second start winning port 18... Third start winning port 19... First variable member 20... Large winning port 21... Second variable member 22... Gate 30... Main control board 31... Main control CPU 32... Main control ROM 33... Main control RAM 34... RAM clear switch 40... Sub-control board 41... Sub-control CPU 42...Secondary control ROM 43...Secondary control RAM 60...Power supply unit A1...First actuator A2...Second actuator DBT...Down button EH...Performance display device GH...Image display section HD...Launch handle HG (HG0 to HG8)...Hold image HP01 to HP08...Fluctuating pattern JG...Execution image KKH...Notification image KO...Notification sound LA...Decorative lamp LBT...Left button MD1A to MD1D, MD2A to MD2D, MDCH, MDPR...Performance mode MH (MH0 to MH8)...Mode notification image RBT...Right button SE1...First start winning sensor SE2...Second start winning sensor SE3...Third start winning sensor SE4...Count sensor SE5...Gate sensor SP...Speaker SRH...Development notification image TG0-TG8...Special games UBT...Up button YB...Game board YBa...Game area YBb...Opening window

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine capable of suspending execution of a variable game,
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A performance control means for controlling the performance execution means;
A detection means,
The performance control means includes:
A mode related to the presentation can be controlled, and the mode to be controlled when the reserved variable game is executed can be determined in advance, and the presentation execution means can be controlled so that the presentation is executed according to the controlled mode,
In the case where the mode is determined in advance, when a specific condition is established, one of the modes is determined;
The performance execution means is capable of executing a specific notification that suggests or notifies information capable of identifying the predetermined mode, and the information capable of identifying the mode includes information regarding the content of the performance in a variable game that is executed when the mode is controlled,
When the mode to be controlled when the reserved variation game is executed is determined in advance, the specific notification is executed, and in a situation where there are a plurality of reserved variation games, any two consecutive variation games among the plurality of reserved variation games can be controlled to different modes,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a special notification different from the specific notification,
In the special notification, information regarding the performance in the variable game being executed is suggested or notified,
During the execution of the specific notification, the special notification may be started.
The specific notification is limited in a situation in which the special notification is executed,
The specific condition may be satisfied in response to detection by the detection means,
The detection means includes a first detection means and a second detection means,
the performance control means, when determining in advance the mode in response to the specific condition being satisfied, is capable of determining a different mode depending on whether the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the first detection means or the second detection means in response to detection by the second detection means, depending on whether the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the first detection means or the second detection means;
The modes include a first mode and a second mode,
When the specific condition is satisfied in response to detection by the first detection means, the second mode is not selected and the first mode is selected,
A gaming machine characterized in that , when the specific condition is established in response to detection by the second detection means, the first mode is not determined and the second mode is determined .

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