JP7611101B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that displays variable information and can be controlled to provide an advantageous state for the player.

In pachinko and other gaming machines, there is a super reach effect in which an ally character and an enemy character face off in a reach effect, and the reach effect is performed while the lines of both characters are displayed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP 2017-125667 A JP 2020-050316 A

In the super reach effects in which the lines described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are displayed, there was room for improvement in the way the lines were displayed.

The present invention aims to increase the entertainment value of gaming machines equipped with super reach effects that display dialogue.

The gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means includes:
During the execution of the specific performance, a first character (e.g., a first ally character 004IWC01, etc.) and a second character (e.g., a second ally character 004IWC02, etc.) can be displayed;
A character display (e.g., a line L, etc.) related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
A character display (e.g., a line L, etc.) related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
The character display is
Can be displayed in multiple colors,
There are two types: specified character display and specific character display.
The plurality of colors includes a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., green),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
The fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 is green, etc.),
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the specific character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color (for example, red has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white, etc.);
When the specific character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the specific character display is displayed in the fourth color, there is a higher probability of being controlled into the advantageous state than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color (for example, there is a higher probability of a jackpot being expected with green than with white or red).
The character display may be displayed at least in a first position and in a second position,
The predetermined character display is displayable at the first position;
The specific character display can be displayed at the second position;
a first pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in the first color at the first position;
a second pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the first position;
a third pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in the first color at the second position;
a fourth pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the second position;
The proportion of the advantageous state controlled is different between the second pattern and the fourth pattern.

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by making the color corresponding to the character have a higher chance of winning than the other chance-up red colors. Not only does this make it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning, but it also allows attention to be drawn to the color of the character and the character itself.

In addition, the gaming machine of the present invention is
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a first specific effect (e.g., story reach A, etc.) and a second specific effect (e.g., story reach B, etc.) that suggest that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means includes:
A first character can be displayed during the execution of the first specific performance (for example, a first ally character 004IWC01 can be displayed during the execution of a story reach A, etc.),
A second character can be displayed during the execution of the second specific performance (for example, a third ally character SKY010 can be displayed during the execution of a story reach B, etc.),
A character display related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the first specific performance (for example, a line L, etc.);
A character display related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the second specific performance (for example, a line L, etc.);
The character display is
Can be displayed in multiple colors,
There are two types: specified character display and specific character display.
The plurality of colors includes a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., blue),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
The fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010 is blue, etc.),
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the specific character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color (for example, red has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white, etc.);
When the specific character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the specific character display is displayed in the fourth color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color (for example, the expectation of a jackpot is higher with blue than with white or red, etc.);
The character display may be displayed at least in a first position and in a second position,
The predetermined character display is displayable at the first position;
The specific character display can be displayed at the second position;
a first pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in the first color at the first position;
a second pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the first position;
a third pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in the first color at the second position;
a fourth pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the second position;
The proportion of the advantageous state controlled is different between the second pattern and the fourth pattern.

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by making the color corresponding to the character have a higher chance of winning than the other chance-up red colors. Not only does this make it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning, but it also allows attention to be drawn to the color of the character and the character itself.

The present invention may have only the invention-specific features described in the claims of the present invention, or may have the invention-specific features described in the claims of the present invention as well as features other than the invention-specific features.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko game machine according to this embodiment. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards etc. installed in a pachinko gaming machine. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a game control main process. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a timer interrupt process for game control. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a performance control main process. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a performance control process. 1 is a configuration diagram showing various control boards etc. installed in a pachinko gaming machine. A diagram showing the numerical range of a jackpot and the numerical range of a miss with time-saving in the variable display of the first special chart in normal state or time-saving state. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a time-saving count determination table. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. An explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the names and contents of each main control command. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the game control main processing. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing normal processing of special symbols. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing normal processing of special symbols. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the special pattern stopping process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the special pattern stopping process. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a variable display start setting process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the preview performance determination process. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the chance-up effect determination process. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the ratio of chance-up effects. FIG. An explanatory diagram of the timing and rate of chance-up effects. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when a battle reach is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when a battle reach is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when a battle reach is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when a battle reach is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when a battle reach is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when a battle reach is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a case where story reach A is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the case where story reach B is executed. An explanatory diagram of the aspect of the chance-up presentation of line L. 13 is an explanatory diagram of when the chance-up effect of line L is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the timing when the chance-up effect of the battle reach line S is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the timing when the chance-up effect of the story reach line S is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the timing when the chance-up effect of the story reach line L is executed. This is an explanatory diagram of the period during which the chance-up effect of the story reach line L is executed. This is an explanatory diagram comparing the lines S of a story reach and a battle reach. This is an explanatory diagram comparing the hit and miss times of Story Reach and Battle Reach. An explanatory diagram of the chance-up effect of line L.

The following describes an embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention with reference to the drawings.

(Features: SKY form)

(SKY2021-1150) The gaming machine of type 1-1 is,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means is
A character can be displayed during the execution of the specific performance (for example, Story Reach A (FIG. 34), Story Reach B (FIG. 42), etc.),
A first character display (e.g., a line L, etc.) and a second character display (e.g., a line S, etc.) related to the character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
a first display area capable of displaying the character and the first character display (e.g., a character and a line L are displayed in a display area at the center of the image display device 5), and a second display area capable of displaying the second character display without displaying the character (e.g., a display area image SKY005 is displayed in a display area at an end of the image display device 5, and a line S is displayed superimposed on the display area image SKY005),
The first character representation is larger than the second character representation;
The display mode of the first character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red or a corresponding color, etc.) that is more likely to be selected when the game is controlled to the advantageous state than the basic display mode,
The display mode of the second character display includes the basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and the high expectation display mode (e.g., red, etc.),
When controlled to the advantageous state, the percentage of the first character display that is displayed in the high expectation display mode (for example, the percentage of the line L that is displayed in a red display mode, etc.) is higher than the percentage of the second character display that is displayed in the high expectation display mode (for example, the percentage of the line S that is displayed in a red display mode, etc.).

According to this feature, by making the size of the text displayed in the first display area and the second display area different, and by making the proportion of the text displayed in the second display mode different, it is possible to draw attention to the text displayed in each display area.

A light emitting means (e.g., a main lamp, a frame lamp, etc.);
A light emission control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the light emission means;
Audio output means (e.g., speakers 8L and 8R);
A sound output control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the sound output means;
A movable body control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the operation of the movable body;
the light emission control means is capable of causing the light emitting means to emit light in a light emission mode of the same color as the high expectation display mode (for example, a red light emission mode, a light emission mode of a corresponding color, etc.) when the first character display (for example, a line L, etc.) is displayed in the high expectation display mode,
the sound output control means is capable of, when the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, outputting a sound corresponding to the high expectation display mode from the sound output means (for example, when the dialogue L is displayed in a red display mode, outputting a sound corresponding to the color red, etc.);
The movable body control means is capable of moving the movable body when the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode (for example, when the dialogue L is displayed in a red display mode, the movable body SKY004 moves, etc.).

This feature makes it easy for players to understand that a chance-up effect has been executed, increasing their interest in the game.

A gaming machine according to aspect 1-3 is the gaming machine according to aspect 1-1, wherein the first character display is displayed in a moving manner (for example, displayed while moving, etc.).

This feature makes the first character display more noticeable, increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 1-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of aspects 1-1 to 1-3,
The display time of the first character table is longer than the display time of the second character display (for example, the display time of the first displayed line L (SKY007) is designed to be longer than the display time of the line S (SKY006)).

This feature makes the first character display more noticeable, increasing interest in the game.

(Features: SKY form)

(SKY2021-1151) The gaming machine of type 2-1 is,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The specific performance is composed of a first performance part (e.g., (2-11) to (2-11), etc.) and a second performance part (e.g., (2-22) to (2-36), etc.),
The display means is
A predetermined display (e.g., a line L, etc.) related to the specific performance can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
The predetermined display can be displayed multiple times during the execution of the first performance part (for example, (2-11) to (2-11), etc.),
The predetermined display can be displayed multiple times during the execution of the second performance part (for example, (2-22) to (2-36), etc.),
The display mode of the predetermined display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red or a corresponding color, etc.) that is more likely to be selected when the game is controlled to the advantageous state than the basic display mode;
The display pattern of the predetermined display in the first performance part includes a first pattern in which the predetermined display is displayed multiple times in the basic display mode (e.g., the dialogue L is displayed in a white display mode, etc.), and a second pattern in which the predetermined display is displayed multiple times including the high expectation display mode (e.g., the dialogue L changes from a white display mode to a red display mode, etc.),
When the predetermined display is displayed according to the first pattern in the first performance part (for example, the dialogue L is displayed in a white display mode (2-11) to (2-11), etc.), the predetermined display is displayed multiple times in the basic display mode in the subsequent second performance part (for example, the dialogue L is displayed in a white display mode (2-22) to (2-36), etc.), and when the predetermined display is displayed according to the second pattern in the first performance part (for example, the dialogue L changes from a white to a red display mode (2-11) to (2-11), etc.), the predetermined display is displayed multiple times including the high expectation display mode in the subsequent second performance part (for example, the dialogue L changes from a white to a red display mode (2-22) to (2-36), etc.).

According to this feature, the specified display shown in the first presentation part is displayed again in the second presentation part, making the specified display more likely to leave an impression on the player, thereby enhancing the presentation effect of the specific presentation.

The gaming machine of aspect 2-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 2-1,
The display time of the predetermined display (e.g., the line L displayed for the second time) displayed in the second performance part is shorter than that of the predetermined display (e.g., the line L displayed for the first time) displayed in the first performance part.

According to this feature, a predetermined display that has already been displayed once is displayed again, allowing the player to recognize that the predetermined display is an important display, while the display time is shortened the second time it is displayed, allowing for a smooth transition.

A light emitting means (e.g., a main lamp, a frame lamp, etc.);
A light emission control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the light emission means;
Audio output means (e.g., speakers 8L and 8R);
A sound output control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the sound output means,
The light emission control means
When the predetermined display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the first performance part, the light emitting means can be made to emit light in a light emitting mode of the same color as the high expectation display mode (for example, a red light emitting mode, a light emitting mode of a corresponding color, etc.);
When the predetermined display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the second performance part, the light emitting means can be caused to emit light in a light emitting mode corresponding to the second predetermined part (for example, a white light emitting mode flashing at high speed, etc.);
The sound output control means
When the predetermined display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the first performance part, a sound (e.g., specific sound 1, specific sound 3, etc.) corresponding to the high expectation display mode can be output from the sound output means;
When the specified display is displayed in the high expectation display mode in the second performance part, a sound corresponding to the second specified part (e.g., specific sound 2, etc.) can be output from the sound output means.

According to this feature, in the first performance part, the player can focus on the specified display, and in the second performance part, the player can focus on the specified display while focusing on the second specified part.

The gaming machine of aspect 2-4 is a gaming machine according to any one of aspects 2-1 to 2-3,
In the second performance part, the predetermined display and a character image related to the specific performance are displayed alternately (for example, ally character 004IWC02 and a line L are displayed alternately).

According to this feature, by displaying the specified display while sandwiching the character in the second performance part, the association between the character and the specified display can be strengthened, increasing the interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 2-5 is a gaming machine according to any one of aspects 2-1 to 2-4,
In the second performance part, the predetermined display is displayed in a swaying manner (for example, by quickly swaying up and down and left and right, etc.).

This feature makes it possible to make a re-displayed specified display more memorable by adding movement.

(Features: SKY form)

(SKY2021-1152) The gaming machine of type 3-1 is,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.);
A display control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., a story reach A, a story reach B, etc.) that notifies the player that the advantageous state is being controlled,
The specific presentation in the case of announcing the result of being controlled to the advantageous state (for example, announcing whether it is a big hit or a miss, etc.) is composed of a common part until the result is announced (for example, the story reach presentation (2-10) to (2-36) before the result is announced, etc.) and a special result announcement part that announces the result (for example, the story reach is a big hit (2-37) to (2-48), etc.),
The specific presentation in the case of notifying the result that the advantageous state is not controlled is composed of the common part (for example, the presentation of a story reach before the result is notified, such as (2-10) to (2-36)) and a predetermined result notification part that notifies the result (for example, the story reach is not successful, such as 2-49 to 2-54),
The display control means
During execution of the common part, a character is displayed in the center of the display means (e.g., second ally character 004IWC02, etc.), a special display is displayed at the edge of the display means, and a character display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (e.g., a display area image SKY005 is displayed at the edge of the screen, and a line S is displayed superimposed thereon, etc.);
During execution of the special result notification part, displaying a character at the center and end of the display means and displaying a text display at the end of the display means (for example, second ally character 004IWC02 and a line S, etc.);
During execution of the specified result notification part, a character is displayed in the center of the display means, the special display is displayed at the edge of the display means, and a text display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (for example, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the display area image SKY005 are displayed at the edge of the screen, and a line S is displayed superimposed).

According to this feature, in a particular performance, the display area in which the character and text display are displayed changes depending on whether or not the game is controlled to be in an advantageous state, making it possible to visually clearly indicate whether or not the game is controlled to be in an advantageous state.

The gaming machine of aspect 3-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 3-1,
In the common part, the character display superimposed on the special display is displayed in the same position as the character display displayed in the special result notification part and the specified result notification part (for example, the positions of the epilogue lines S for a jackpot and a miss are the same, etc.).

This feature makes it easier to see the text display by displaying it in the same position.

The gaming machine of aspect 3-3 is the gaming machine according to aspect 3-1 or 3-2,
The character display includes a first character display (e.g., serif L, etc.) and a second character display (e.g., serif S, etc.),
During execution of the common part, a character and a first character display (e.g., second ally character 004IWC02 and a line L, etc.) are displayed in the center of the display means, a special display is displayed at an end of the display means, and a second character display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (e.g., a display area image SKY005 is displayed, and a line S is displayed superimposed thereon, etc.);
The first character display is a character display corresponding to the content of the second character display (for example, the content of line L and line S are related to each other).

This feature makes the flow of the presentation appear smoother by displaying related text.

The gaming machine of aspect 3-4 is the gaming machine according to any one of aspects 3-1 to 3-3,
The display mode of the character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red or a corresponding color, etc.) that is more likely to be selected when the game is controlled to the advantageous state than the basic display mode,
When the second character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, when the first character display is displayed, the first character display can be displayed in the basic display mode (for example, when the display mode of the line S changes due to a chance-up effect, the display mode of the line L does not change, etc.).

This feature allows the text display displayed in the first display area and the text display displayed in the second display area to be focused on separately.

The gaming machine of aspect 3-5 is the gaming machine according to any one of aspects 3-1 to 3-4,
The display mode of the character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red or a corresponding color, etc.) that is more likely to be selected when the game is controlled to the advantageous state than the basic display mode,
When the second character display is displayed in the basic display mode, and the first character display is displayed in the high expectation display mode, the second character display can continue to be displayed in the basic display mode (for example, when the line S is displayed in a white display mode, it can be displayed in the same display mode as the line L, etc.).

This feature allows the text display displayed in the first display area and the text display displayed in the second display area to be focused on separately.

(Features: SKY form)

(SKY2021-1153) The gaming machine of type 4-1 is,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.);
A display control means (for example, a CPU for controlling a performance, etc.),
the effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., story reach A, story reach B, etc.) suggesting that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state, and a predetermined effect (e.g., battle reach, etc.) suggesting that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The expectation level controlled to the advantageous state is different when the specific performance is executed and when the predetermined performance is executed (for example, the expectation level of a jackpot is different between a story reach and a battle reach, etc.),
The display control means
A first character display (for example, a line S during a story reach) can be displayed during the execution of the specific performance,
A second character display (for example, a line S during a battle reach) can be displayed during the execution of the predetermined effect,
During execution of the specific performance, a character is displayed in the center of the display means, a special display is displayed at an end of the display means, and the first character display is displayed so as to be superimposed on the special display (for example, a display area image SKY005 is displayed at an end of the screen, and a line S is displayed superimposed thereon, etc.);
During execution of the predetermined performance, a character can be displayed at the center and ends of the display means, and the second character display can be displayed at the ends of the display means (for example, displaying a second ally character 004IWC02 and a line S during a battle reach, etc.);
The first character display and the second character display have the same size and are displayed at a common display position at the end of the display means (for example, the line S of a story reach and the line S of a battle reach are the same size and displayed at the same position, etc.).

This feature allows the presentation of characters and text in different ways for the specified and specific effects, providing a gaming machine that keeps players engaged.

The gaming machine of aspect 4-2 is the gaming machine according to aspect 4-1,
The result notification effect of the specific effect when notifying the result that the advantageous state is controlled (for example, an epilogue effect notifying the result of a jackpot, etc.) is composed of a common notification part (for example, the epilogue effect of (3-36) to (3-38)) that notifies the result that the advantageous state is controlled, and a specific result notification part (for example, the epilogue effect of (3-39) to (3-48)),
The result notification presentation of the specified presentation when announcing the result that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state is composed of the common notification part (e.g., the epilogue presentation of (1-24) to (1-26)) and a specified result notification part (e.g., the epilogue presentation of (1-27) to (1-37)).

This feature makes it easier to communicate to players that they have won a jackpot by making some of the presentations used to announce a jackpot common to all players.

The gaming machine of aspect 4-3 is the gaming machine according to aspect 4-1 or 4-2,
Before executing the result notification performance, a motion prompt performance (for example, pressing a button) can be executed,
By executing the action prompting performance, the common notification part can be executed.

This feature allows the epilogue performance to take place after the button is displayed, building anticipation for the button performance and increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 4-4 is the gaming machine according to aspect 4-1,
During the execution of the specific performance, a first character display (e.g., a line S) and a special character display can be displayed;
the special character representation is a character representation larger than the first character representation;
During execution of the specific performance, the character and the special character display are displayed in the center of the display means.

This feature allows the presentation in the first display area to be more lively, increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 4-5 is the gaming machine according to aspect 4-1,
The display mode of the first character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red, etc.) that is selected more frequently when the game is controlled to be in a more advantageous state than the basic display mode,
The display mode of the second character display includes a basic display mode (e.g., white, etc.) and a high expectation display mode (e.g., red, etc.) which is selected more frequently when the game is controlled to be in a more advantageous state than the basic display mode,
The display mode of the first character display displayed in the specific performance and the second character display displayed in the predetermined performance is common (for example, both can be displayed in white or red).

This feature allows you to immediately determine whether sharing will increase your chances.

The gaming machine of aspect 4-6 is the gaming machine according to aspect 4-1,
When the specific performance is executed, there is a higher expectation of being controlled into an advantageous state than when the predetermined performance is executed (for example, a story reach has a higher expectation of a jackpot than a battle reach).

According to this feature, special effects with high odds of winning are displayed with text superimposed on the special display, making the difference from the regular effects clear and preventing players from getting bored.

(Features: SKY form)

(SKY2021-1154) The gaming machine of type 5-1 is,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect (e.g., Story Reach A, Story Reach B, etc.) that suggests that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means is
During the execution of the specific performance, a first character (e.g., a first ally character 004IWC01, etc.) and a second character (e.g., a second ally character 004IWC02, etc.) can be displayed;
A character display (e.g., a line L, etc.) related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
A character display (e.g., a line L, etc.) related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
The character display can be displayed in a plurality of colors;
The plurality of colors includes a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., green),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
The fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 is green, etc.),
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color (for example, red has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the fourth color, there is a higher probability of being controlled into the advantageous state than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, there is a higher probability of a jackpot being expected with green than with white or red).

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by making the color corresponding to the character have a higher chance of winning than the other chance-up red colors. Not only does this make it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning, but it also allows attention to be drawn to the color of the character and the character itself.

(SKY2021-1154) The gaming machine of type 5-2 is,
A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state for a player (e.g., a jackpot, etc.),
A performance execution means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a performance;
A display means (e.g., an image display device 5, etc.),
The effect execution means is capable of executing a first specific effect (e.g., story reach A, etc.) and a second specific effect (e.g., story reach B, etc.) that suggest that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means is
A first character can be displayed during the execution of the first specific performance (for example, a first ally character 004IWC01 can be displayed during the execution of a story reach A, etc.),
A second character can be displayed during the execution of the second specific performance (for example, a third ally character SKY010 can be displayed during the execution of a story reach B, etc.),
A character display related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the first specific performance (for example, a line L, etc.);
A character display related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the second specific performance (for example, a line L, etc.);
The character display can be displayed in a plurality of colors;
The plurality of colors includes a first color (e.g., white), a second color (e.g., red), a third color (e.g., purple), and a fourth color (e.g., blue),
the third color is a color corresponding to the first character (for example, the color corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01 is purple, etc.);
The fourth color is a color corresponding to the second character (for example, the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010 is blue, etc.),
The first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character (for example, white and red are not colors corresponding to characters, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color (for example, the expectation of a jackpot is higher in red than in white),
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, purple has a higher expectation of a jackpot than white or red, etc.),
When the character display is displayed in the fourth color, there is a higher probability of being controlled into the advantageous state than when the character display is displayed in the first color and when the character display is displayed in the second color (for example, there is a higher probability of a jackpot being expected with blue than with white or red).

This feature makes it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning by making the color corresponding to the character have a higher chance of winning than the other chance-up red colors. Not only does this make it possible to make a color that is thought to have a lower chance of winning than red into a color with a higher chance of winning, but it also allows attention to be drawn to the color of the character and the character itself.

The gaming machine of aspect 5-3 is the gaming machine according to aspect 5-1 and aspect 5-2,
When the character display is displayed in the third color, the first character corresponding to the third color is displayed (for example, when the dialogue L is displayed in purple, the first ally character 004IWC01 is displayed).

This feature increases the association between the characters and the colors of the text, increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 5-4 is the gaming machine according to aspect 5-1 and aspect 5-2,
Sound output means (e.g., speakers 8L and 8R);
A sound output control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the sound output means,
The sound output control means is capable of causing the sound output means to output a sound corresponding to the third color (e.g., output specific sound 3) when the text display is displayed in the third color during execution of the first specific performance.

This feature allows the player to be informed that the color will change to the third color while drawing their attention to the fact that the color has changed to the third color.

The gaming machine of aspect 5-5 is the gaming machine according to aspect 5-1 and aspect 5-2,
A light emitting means (e.g., a main lamp, a frame lamp, etc.);
A light emission control means (e.g., a performance control CPU 120, etc.) capable of controlling the light emission means,
The light emission control means is capable of causing the light emission means to emit light in a light emission pattern of the same color as the third color when text display is displayed in the third color during execution of the first specific performance (for example, emitting light in purple when dialogue L is displayed in purple).

This feature increases the correlation between the character and the color of the lamp, increasing interest in the game.

The gaming machine of aspect 5-6 is the gaming machine according to aspect 5-2,
The second character is not displayed in the first specific performance, and the fourth color display mode corresponding to the second character is not used as the color of the text display in the first specific performance (for example, in story reach A, dialogue is not displayed in a blue display mode).

This feature can prevent the player from mistaking that a chance-up effect has been executed.

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (which is also the configuration and control of a general pachinko gaming machine) will be described.

(Configuration of Pachinko Game Machine 1, etc.)
1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine 1, showing the layout of the main components. The pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is broadly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes the game board surface, and a game machine frame (base frame) 3 that supports and fixes the game board 2. A game area is formed on the game board 2, and game balls as game media are shot into this game area by a predetermined ball shooting device.

Note that the "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, a variable display of multiple types of special symbols (the same applies to other symbols described below). The variations include updating the display of multiple symbols, scrolling the display of multiple symbols, transforming one or more symbols, and enlarging/reducing one or more symbols. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols described below, multiple types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative symbols described below, multiple types of decorative symbols are scrolled or updated, or one or more decorative symbols are transformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that variations also include a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed flashing. At the end of the variable display, a specified special symbol is displayed stationary (also called derived or derived display) as the display result (the same applies to the variable display of other symbols described below). Note that the variable display may be expressed as a variable display or variation.

The special pattern variably displayed on the first special pattern display device 4A is also called the "first special pattern," and the special pattern variably displayed on the second special pattern display device 4B is also called the "second special pattern." A special pattern game using the first special pattern is also called the "first special pattern game," and a special pattern game using the second special pattern is also called the "second special pattern game." There may be only one type of special pattern display device that variably displays the special patterns.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the play area on the game board 2. The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display device) or an organic EL (electro luminescence) device, and displays various presentation images. The image display device 5 may also be composed of a projector and a screen. Various presentation images are displayed on the image display device 5.

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, multiple types of decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers, etc.) that are different from the special patterns are variably displayed as decorative identification information. Here, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, decorative patterns are variably displayed (for example, scrolled up and down or updated) in each of the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R. Note that the special game and the variable display of decorative patterns that are executed in synchronization are collectively referred to as simply variable display.

The screen of the image display device 5 may be provided with a display area for displaying a pending display corresponding to a variable display whose execution is pending, and an active display corresponding to a variable display that is being executed. The pending display and the active display are collectively referred to as a variable display-compatible display corresponding to the variable display.

The number of reserved variable displays is also referred to as the reserved memory number. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special game is also referred to as the first reserved memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special game is also referred to as the second reserved memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is also referred to as the total reserved memory number.

A first hold indicator 25A and a second hold indicator 25B, each of which includes a plurality of LEDs, are provided at predetermined positions on the game board 2. The first hold indicator 25A displays the first hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs. The second hold indicator 25B displays the second hold memory number by the number of lit LEDs.

A winning ball device 6A is provided below the image display device 5, and a variable winning ball device 6B is provided to the right of the winning ball device 6A.

The winning ball device 6A forms a first start winning hole that is always kept in a constant open state so that game balls can enter, for example, by a specified ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole, a specified number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the first special game can be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (normal electric device) forms a second start winning hole that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 3). The variable winning ball device 6B, for example, has an electric tulip-type device having a pair of movable pieces, and when the solenoid 81 is in the off state, the movable pieces are in a vertical position, so that the tip of the movable pieces approaches the winning ball device 6A, and the second start winning hole is in a closed state in which the game ball does not enter (also referred to as the second start winning hole being in a closed state). On the other hand, when the solenoid 81 is in the on state, the movable pieces of the variable winning ball device 6B are in a tilted position, so that the second start winning hole is in an open state in which the game ball can enter (also referred to as the second start winning hole being in an open state). When a game ball enters the second start winning hole, a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, three) are paid out and the second special game can be started. The variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that can change between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to devices that include an electric tulip-type device.

At predetermined positions on the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, three locations are provided at the lower left of the game area and one location is provided above the variable winning ball device 6B), general winning openings 10 are provided which are always kept in a constant open state by a predetermined ball receiving member. In this case, when a game ball enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10 balls) are paid out as prize balls.

A special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning opening is provided between the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B. The special variable winning ball device 7 has a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see Figure 3), and the large winning opening door forms the large winning opening as a specific area that can be switched between an open state and a closed state.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door (for the special electric device) is in the OFF state, the large prize opening door closes the large prize opening, and game balls cannot enter (pass through) the large prize opening. On the other hand, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door is in the ON state, the large prize opening door opens the large prize opening, and game balls can easily enter the large prize opening.

When a game ball enters the large prize opening, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 14 balls) are paid out as prize balls. When a game ball enters the large prize opening, more prize balls are paid out than when a game ball enters the first start prize opening, the second start prize opening, or the general prize opening 10, for example.

The entry of a game ball into each winning port, including the general winning port 10, is also referred to as a "winning". In particular, a winning ball into the starting port (first starting winning port, second starting winning port) is also referred to as a starting winning port.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position on the game board 2 (the lower left of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display 20 is made up of a 7-segment LED or the like, and performs a variable display of normal symbols as multiple types of normal identification information different from the special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by numbers showing "0" to "9" or lighting patterns such as "-". The normal symbols may also include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of normal symbols is also called a normal symbol game.

A pass gate 41 through which the game ball can pass is provided to the right of the image display device 5. When the game ball passes through the pass gate 41, a regular game is executed.

A regular symbol pending display 25C is provided below the regular symbol display 20. The regular symbol pending display 25C is configured to include, for example, four LEDs, and displays the regular symbol pending memory count, which is the number of regular symbol games that are pending execution, by the number of lit LEDs.

In addition to the above features, the surface of the game board 2 is provided with windmills that change the direction and speed of the game balls, as well as numerous obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, there is an outlet that takes in game balls that do not enter any of the winning holes.

Speakers 8L, 8R for playing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the upper left and right positions of the gaming machine frame 3. A main lamp 9a is provided above the image display device 5 in the gaming machine frame 3, and frame lamps 9b are provided to the left and right of the main lamp 9a so as to surround the playing area. Furthermore, an attacca lamp 9c is provided near the special variable winning ball device 7 on the gaming board 2. Places that emit light under the control of the CPU, such as the main lamp 9a and frame lamps, are collectively referred to as decorative light-emitting objects.

At a predetermined position on the game board 2 (above the image display device 5 in FIG. 1), a movable body 32 (described later) that operates according to the performance is provided. The movable body 32 is also provided with a movable body lamp 9d. The movable body lamp 9d and the above-mentioned main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, and attacca lamp 9c may be collectively referred to as the game effect lamp 9. The main lamp 9a, frame lamp 9b, attacca lamp 9c, and movable body lamp 9d are each configured to include an LED.

At the lower right position of the gaming machine frame 3, a ball-hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 is provided, which is operated by the player or the like to launch the gaming ball toward the gaming area using the ball-hitting device.

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area, a ball supply tray (upper tray) is provided to hold (store) gaming balls dispensed as prize balls or gaming balls loaned by a predetermined ball loaning machine so that they can be supplied to the ball launching device. In addition to the upper tray, the gaming machine frame 3 may also be provided with a payout section (ball supply tray) from which prize balls are paid out when the upper tray is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by the player is attached to a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. Operations on the stick controller 31A are detected by the controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 3).

At a predetermined position on the gaming machine frame 3 below the playing area, a push button 31B is provided that the player can press to give a predetermined command. The operation of the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 3).

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B are provided as detection means for detecting the player's actions (operations, etc.), but other detection means may also be provided.

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11, housed in a board case 201, is mounted on the rear of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The main board 11 is provided with a setting key 51 and a setting change switch 52. The setting key 51 functions as a lock switch for switching to a setting change state or a setting confirmation state. The setting change switch 52 functions as a setting switch for changing settings such as the probability of winning a jackpot and the ball payout rate in the setting change state. The setting key 51 and the setting change switch 52 may be attached to the outside of the main board 11, for example, at a predetermined position on the power supply board 17.

A display monitor 29 is disposed in the center of the back surface of the main board 11, and a display changeover switch 31 is disposed to the side of the display monitor 29. The display monitor 29 may be configured, for example, using a seven-segment LED display device. The display monitor 29 and the display changeover switch 31 are disposed directly in front of the main board 11 when the back surface of the game board 2 is viewed with the game machine frame 3 open.

The display monitor 29 can display winning information such as consecutive win ratio, winning combination ratio, and base. The consecutive win ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning port (attacker) to the total number of winning balls. The winning combination ratio is the ratio of the number of winning balls that have entered the second start winning port (electric chute) and the number of winning balls that have entered the large winning port (attacker) to the total number of winning balls. The base is the ratio of the total number of winning balls to the number of game balls shot out. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 can display the setting values in the pachinko game machine 1. When in the setting change state or setting confirmation state, the display monitor 29 only needs to be able to display the setting values to be changed or confirmed.

When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52 cannot be operated from the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. The gaming machine frame 3 is provided with a rotatable glass door frame 3a having a glass window, and is configured so that the gaming area can be opened and closed by the glass door frame 3a. When the glass door frame 3a is closed, the gaming area can be seen through the glass window.

In the pachinko gaming machine 1, a security cover 50A is attached to the right end of the outer frame 1a, which is formed in a vertically long rectangular frame shape. When the gaming machine frame 3 is closed, the security cover 50A covers the right side of the board case 201, including the setting key 51 and the setting changeover switch 52, from the rear side. The security cover 50A is a roughly L-shaped member including a short piece 50Aa and a long piece 50Ab, and may be made of a transparent synthetic resin.

(Outline of game progress)
The game ball is launched toward the game area by the player rotating the ball hitting operation handle 30 provided on the pachinko game machine 1. When the game ball passes through the passing gate 41, a normal game is started by the normal symbol display 20. If the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 during the period during which the previous normal game is being played (if the game ball passes through the passing gate 41 but the normal game based on the passing cannot be played immediately), the normal game based on the passing is put on hold up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 4).

In this normal game, if a specific normal symbol (a normal winning symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal winning". On the other hand, if a normal symbol other than a normal winning symbol (a normal losing symbol) is displayed as a fixed normal symbol, the display result of the normal symbol will be "normal losing". When a "normal winning" occurs, an opening control is performed to keep the variable winning ball device 6B in an open state for a predetermined period of time (the second starting winning port is opened).

When a game ball enters the first start winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game is started by the first special symbol display device 4A.

When a game ball enters the second start winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, a second special game is started by the second special pattern display device 4B.

In addition, if the game ball enters (wins) the start winning hole during the period when the special game is being played or during the period when the game is controlled to the jackpot game state described below (when a start winning occurs but the special game based on the start winning cannot be played immediately), the special game based on that entry will be put on hold until a specified upper limit number (for example, 4) is reached.

In the special game, if a specific special symbol (a jackpot symbol, for example, "7"; the actual symbol varies depending on the type of jackpot, as described below) is displayed as a confirmed special symbol, it is a "jackpot", and if a special symbol different from the jackpot symbol (a losing symbol, for example, "-") is displayed as a stopped symbol, it is a "miss". Note that "misses" in this pachinko game machine 1 include "misses with time reduction" that are controlled to a high base state (time reduction state) from the next variable display without going through a jackpot game.

After the display result in the special game becomes "jackpot," the game is controlled to a jackpot game state, which is an advantageous state for the player.

In the jackpot game state, the large prize opening formed by the special variable prize ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. This open state continues until either a predetermined period of time (e.g., 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) has elapsed, or the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 9), whichever comes first. The predetermined period is the maximum period during which the large prize opening can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as the maximum opening period. This cycle in which the large prize opening is open is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeated until the predetermined maximum number of times (15 times or 2 times) is reached.

In the jackpot gaming state, the player can get prize balls by making the gaming ball enter the big prize opening. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The more rounds in the jackpot gaming state, and the longer the upper limit opening period, the more advantageous it is for the player.

The "jackpot" has a jackpot type set. For example, there are multiple types of opening modes of the jackpot opening (number of rounds or maximum opening period) and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time-saving state, special state, etc.), and the jackpot type is set according to these. There may be jackpot types that offer many prize balls, jackpot types that offer few prize balls, or jackpot types that offer almost no prize balls.

After the jackpot game state ends, the game may be controlled to a time-saving state or a special state depending on the type of jackpot mentioned above.

In the time-saving state, control (time-saving control) is executed to shorten the average special symbol fluctuation time (period during which the special symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state. In the time-saving state, control (high opening control, high base control) is also executed to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second start winning hole by shortening the average regular symbol fluctuation time (period during which the regular symbol fluctuates) more than in the normal state and by improving the probability of a "regular symbol hit" in the regular symbol game more than in the normal state. The time-saving state is an advantageous state for the player because it is a state in which the fluctuation efficiency of special symbols (especially the second special symbol) is improved.

In the probability variable state (probability fluctuating state), in addition to time-saving control, probability variable control is executed, which increases the probability that the display result will be a "jackpot" compared to the normal state. The probability variable state is an even more advantageous state for the player, as it not only improves the efficiency of special symbol fluctuation, but also makes it easier to get a "jackpot."

The time-saving state or the probability of a special bonus state will continue until one of the end conditions is met first, such as the specified number of special games being played or the start of the next big win game state. The end condition of the state in which the specified number of special games have been played is also called a count-cut (count-cut time-saving state, count-cut probability of a special bonus state, etc.).

The normal state refers to a game state other than advantageous states such as a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player, and special states such as a time-saving state and a probability-varying state, and is a state in which the pachinko game machine 1, such as the probability that the display result in the normal game will be a "normal hit" and the probability that the display result in the special game will be a "jackpot", is controlled in the same way as the initial setting state of the pachinko game machine 1 (for example, when a system reset is performed and the specified return process is not executed after the power is turned on).

The state in which probability variable control is being executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variable control is not being executed is also called a low probability state. The state in which time-saving control is being executed is also called a high base state, and the state in which time-saving control is not being executed is also called a low base state. Combining these, the time-saving state is also called a low probability/high base state, the probability variable state is a high probability/high base state, and the normal state is a low probability/low base state. A high probability state and a low base state is also called a high probability low base state.

The game state may change based on the game ball passing through a specific area (e.g., a specific area within a big prize opening) during a big win game state. For example, when the game ball passes through a specific area, the game state may be controlled to a high probability state after the big win game state.

(Progression of the performance, etc.)
In the pachinko game machine 1, various effects (effects to notify the progress of the game or to liven up the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The effects are described below. The effects are executed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5, but in addition to or instead of the display, the effects may be executed as sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, turning on or off the game effect lamp 9, operating the movable body 32, or as an effect using any effect device including some or all of these.

As an effect that is executed according to the progress of the game, in the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R provided on the image display device 5, a variable display of decorative patterns begins in response to the start of the first or second special pattern game. At the timing when the display result (also called the determined special pattern) in the first or second special pattern game is displayed statically, the determined decorative pattern (a combination of three decorative patterns) which is the display result of the variable display of the decorative patterns is also displayed statically (derived).

During the period from when the variable display of the decorative symbols starts to when it ends, the state of the variable display of the decorative symbols may become a predetermined reach state (a reach is achieved). Here, a reach state refers to a state in which the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 continue to be variable displayed when the decorative symbols that have not yet been stopped and displayed form part of a jackpot combination, which will be described later.

In addition, when the above-mentioned reach state occurs during the variable display of the decorative symbols, a reach effect is executed. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, multiple types of reach effects are executed with different rates (also called jackpot reliability or jackpot expectation) of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of the decorative symbols) becoming a "jackpot" depending on the performance state. Reach effects include, for example, a normal reach and an SP reach, which has a higher jackpot reliability than a normal reach.

When the display result of the special game is a "jackpot", a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined jackpot combination is derived as the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (the display result of the variable display of decorative patterns is a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decorative patterns (for example, "7") are displayed stopped in line on a predetermined effective line in the "left", "center", and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R.

In the case of a "probability jackpot" that is controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, odd decorative symbols (e.g., "7") may be displayed in a line, and in the case of a "non-probability jackpot (normal jackpot)" that is not controlled to a probability jackpot state after the end of the jackpot game state, even decorative symbols (e.g., "6") may be displayed in a line. In this case, odd decorative symbols are also called probability jackpot symbols, and even decorative symbols are also called non-probability jackpot symbols (normal symbols). After a reach state is reached with non-probability jackpot symbols, a promotion effect may be executed that ultimately results in a "probability jackpot".

When the display result of the special game is a "miss," the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern does not become a reach state, and the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a non-reach combination (also called a "non-reach miss") as a "non-reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be a "non-reach miss"). Also, when the display result is a "miss," after the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a reach state, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may display a fixed decorative pattern of a predetermined reach combination (also called a "reach miss") that is not a jackpot combination as a "reach miss" (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern may be a "reach miss").

The effects that the pachinko gaming machine 1 can execute include displaying the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) described above. In addition, as other effects, for example, a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability is executed during the variable display of the decorative pattern. Preview effects include a preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display currently being executed, and a look-ahead preview effect that predicts the jackpot reliability in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is on hold). As a look-ahead preview effect, an effect that changes the display mode of the variable display compatible display (reserved display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

In addition, in the image display device 5, a pseudo consecutive performance may be executed in which a single variable display appears to be multiple variable displays by temporarily pausing the decorative pattern during the variable display and then restarting the variable display.

Even during a jackpot game state, a jackpot performance is executed to notify the player of the jackpot game state. The jackpot performance may include a performance to notify the player of the number of rounds, or an upgrade performance to show that the value of the jackpot game state is increasing.

In addition, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, a demo (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (a customer waiting demo performance is executed).

(Board configuration)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, a performance control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, and the like, as shown in Fig. 3. In addition, various boards, such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, and a launch control board, are arranged on the back of the pachinko game machine 1. Furthermore, a power supply board 17 is also equipped. The various control boards are not only electronic circuit boards such as printed wiring boards on which conductor patterns are formed and on which electrical components can be mounted, but also electronic circuit mounting boards configured to realize specific electrical functions by mounting electrical components on the electronic circuit board.

A power switch 91 is connected to the power supply board 17, and by operating the power switch 91 (turning it ON), power from an AC power source such as an external power source such as a commercial power supply, such as 100V AC, can be supplied from the power supply board 17 to electrical components including various control boards such as the main board 11 and the performance control board 12. The power supply board 17 is equipped with, for example, a rectifier circuit for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), and a power supply circuit for converting a specified DC voltage to a specific DC voltage (for example, 12V DC or 5V DC).

The main board 11 is the main control board, and has the function of controlling the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko game machine 1 (execution of special games (including reserved game management), execution of regular games (including reserved game management), jackpot game status, game status, etc.). The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, etc.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103, a random number circuit 104, and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105.

The CPU 103 executes the programs stored in the ROM 101 to perform processes that control the progress of the game (processes that realize the functions of the main board 11). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (such as data on fluctuation patterns, performance control commands, and various tables referenced when making various decisions) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. The RAM 102 serves as a backup RAM in which the stored contents are preserved for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped in part or in whole. Note that all or part of the programs stored in the ROM 101 may be deployed to the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102.

The random number circuit 104 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random numbers (game random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The game random numbers may be updated by the CPU 103 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 105 is configured to include, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals described below) are input, and an output port for transmitting various signals (signals for controlling (driving) the first special pattern display device 4A, the second special pattern display device 4B, the normal pattern display device 20, the first hold display device 25A, the second hold display device 25B, the normal hold display device 25C, etc., solenoid drive signals).

The switch circuit 110 takes in detection signals (such as a detection signal indicating that a game ball has passed or entered and the switch has been turned on) from various switches for detecting game balls (gate switch 21, start port switch (first start port switch 22A and second start port switch 22B), count switch 23), and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal indicates that the game ball has passed or entered.

The switch circuit 110 receives a reset signal, a power-off signal, and a clear signal from the power supply board 17 and transmits them to the game control microcomputer 100. The reset signal is an operation stop signal for stopping the operation of control circuits such as the game control microcomputer 100, and can be output using either a power supply monitoring circuit, an IC with a built-in watchdog timer, or a system reset IC. The power-off signal is turned off when the specified power supply voltage used in the pachinko game machine 1 exceeds a specified value, and is turned on when the period during which the specified power supply voltage is below the specified value continues for longer than the power-off reference time. The clear signal is turned on in response to, for example, pressing the clear switch 92 provided on the power supply board 17.

The solenoid circuit 111 transmits solenoid drive signals (such as signals to turn on solenoid 81 and solenoid 82) from the game control microcomputer 100 to the solenoid 81 for the normal electric device and the solenoid 82 for the large prize opening door.

The main board 11 is connected to a display monitor 29, a display changeover switch 31, a setting key 51, a setting changeover switch 52, and a door open sensor 90. The door open sensor 90 detects the opening of the gaming machine frame 3, including the glass door frame 3a.

As part of controlling the progress of the game, the main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100) supplies presentation control commands (commands that specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) to the presentation control board 12 according to the progress of the game. The presentation control commands output from the main board 11 are relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the presentation control board 12. The presentation control commands include, for example, commands that specify various determination results in the main board 11 (for example, the display results of the special game (including the type of jackpot), the variable pattern used when executing the special game (described in detail later)), the game status (for example, the start or end of the variable display, the opening status of the jackpot opening, the occurrence of a win, the number of reserved memories, the game status), the occurrence of an error, etc.

The performance control board 12 is a sub-control board independent of the main board 11, and has the function of receiving performance control commands and executing performances (various performances according to the progress of the game, including various notifications such as driving the movable body 32, notifying errors, and notifying of power outage recovery) based on the received performance control commands.

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control unit 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I/O 125.

The performance control CPU 120 executes the programs stored in the ROM 121 to perform processing for executing performances together with the display control unit 123 (processing for realizing the above-mentioned functions of the performance control board 12, including determining the performance to be executed). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as the main memory.

The presentation control CPU 120 may instruct the display control unit 123 to execute a presentation based on detection signals from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (signals that are output when an operation by the player is detected and that appropriately indicate the content of the operation).

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), CGROM (Character Generator ROM), VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes the performance based on instructions to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120.

The display control unit 123 displays a performance image on the image display unit 5 by supplying a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display unit 5 based on an instruction to execute the performance from the performance control CPU 120. The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 and a lamp signal (a signal designating the on/off state of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the performance image and to turn on/off the game effect lamp 9. The display control unit 123 also supplies a signal to operate the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or to a drive circuit that drives the movable body 32.

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits that drive the speakers 8L and 8R, and drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, causing the speakers 8L and 8R to output the sound designated by the sound designation signal.

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits that drive the game effect lamp 9, and drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, turning the game effect lamp 9 on and off in the manner specified by the lamp signal. In this way, the display control unit 123 controls the sound output and the turning on and off of the lamp.

In addition, the control of sound output, turning on/off of the lamp (such as supplying a sound designation signal or a lamp signal), and control of the movable body 32 (such as supplying a signal to operate the movable body 32) may be performed by the performance control CPU 120.

The random number circuit 124 counts updatable numerical data indicating various random number values (random numbers for performance) used to execute various performances. The random numbers for performance may be updated by the performance control CPU 120 executing a specific computer program (updated by software).

The I/O 125 mounted on the performance control board 12 includes an input port for taking in performance control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and an output port for transmitting various signals (video signals, sound designation signals, lamp signals).

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the performance control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. As with the pachinko game machine 1, multiple sub-boards may be provided for different functions, or one sub-board may be configured to have multiple functions.

(Operation)
Next, the operation (function) of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described.

(Main Operations of Main Board 11)
First, a description will be given of the main operations of the main board 11. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is started, and a game control main process is executed by the CPU 103. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the game control main process executed by the CPU 103 on the main board 11.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 103 first sets interrupts to be prohibited (step S1). Then, it performs the necessary initial settings (step S2). The initial settings include setting the stack pointer, register settings for built-in devices (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output port, etc.), and setting the RAM 102 to be accessible.

Next, it is determined whether the recovery condition is met (step S3). The recovery condition can be met when the clear signal is off, backup data is present, and the backup RAM is normal. When power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is started, if a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17 is pressed, for example, an on-state clear signal is input to the game control microcomputer 100. If such an on-state clear signal is input, it is determined in step S3 that the recovery condition is not met. The backup data only needs to be capable of being stored in the RAM 102, which serves as the backup RAM for game control. In step S3, it is determined whether the recovery condition can be met by checking or inspecting the presence or absence of backup data and the presence or absence of data errors.

If the recovery condition is met (step S3; Yes), recovery processing (step S4) is executed, followed by setting confirmation processing (step S5). The recovery processing in step S4 sets a working area based on the contents stored in RAM 102. By setting the working area using the backup data stored in RAM 102, the game state when the power supply was stopped is restored, and if, for example, a special symbol was changing, it is sufficient if the change of the special symbol can be resumed from the state before the stoppage.

If the recovery condition is not met (step S3; No), an initialization process (step S6) is executed, and then a setting change process (step S7) is executed. The initialization process in step S6 includes a clearing process that clears flags, counters, and buffers stored in RAM 102, and the execution of the clearing process sets initial values in the working area.

In the setting confirmation process of step S5, it is determined whether a predetermined setting confirmation condition is met. The setting confirmation condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting confirmation process of step S5 is executed when the recovery condition is met in step S3, including the clear signal being in the OFF state. Therefore, since the setting confirmation condition can be met when the clear signal is in the OFF state, the clear signal being in the OFF state can also be included in the setting confirmation condition.

If the setting confirmation condition is met in the setting confirmation process of step S5, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting confirmation state in which the setting values set therein can be confirmed, and a setting confirmation start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting confirmation state, the setting values set in the pachinko gaming machine 1 can be confirmed by viewing them on the display monitor 29. When the setting confirmation state is to end, a setting confirmation end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting confirmation state, it may be in a game stop state in which the progress of the game on the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped. In the game stop state, the launch of game balls by operating the ball striking handle, the detection of game balls by various switches, etc. are stopped, and the first special symbol display device 4A, the second special symbol display device 4B, and the normal symbol display device 20 may be controlled to stop displaying a losing symbol or the like, or to display a symbol corresponding to a game stop state other than a losing symbol. When the setting confirmation state ends, the game stop state associated with it may also end.

In the setting change process of step S7, it is determined whether a predetermined setting change condition is met. The setting change condition is met, for example, when power supply is started, the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is in the ON state and the setting key 51 is turned ON. The setting change condition may also include the clear signal being in the ON state.

When the setting change condition is met in the setting change process of step S7, the pachinko gaming machine 1 enters a setting change state in which the setting value set therein can be changed, and a setting change start command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12. In the setting change state, the setting value is displayed on the display monitor 29, and the numerical value displayed on the display monitor 29 is updated and displayed sequentially each time the setting change switch 52 is operated. After that, when the setting key 51 is turned off by an attendant at the game center or the like, the setting value displayed on the display monitor 29 is stored (updated and stored) in the backup area of the RAM 102, and the display monitor 29 is turned off. When the setting change state is to be ended, a setting change end command is sent from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12.

When the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in the setting change state, the pachinko gaming machine 1 may be in a play stop state, just as when it is in the setting confirmation state. When the setting change state ends, the associated play stop state may also end.

When the performance control board 12 receives a setting check start command or a setting change start command, it may perform control to notify the user that the setting is being checked or changed. For example, it may display a specific image on the image display device 5, output a specific sound from the speakers 8L and 8R, or cause a light-emitting component such as the game effect lamp 9 to emit light in a specific manner.

The clear signal is turned on by, for example, pressing a clear switch provided on the power supply board 17. Therefore, when power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is on and the setting key 51 is on, if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 and the setting change process of step S7 are executed, making it possible to control the device to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 and the setting confirmation process of step S5 are executed, making it possible to control the device to the setting confirmation state. When power supply is started, if the detection signal from the door open sensor 90 is off or the setting key 51 is off, if the clear switch is on, the initialization process of step S6 is executed but the device is not controlled to the setting change state, and if the clear switch is off, the recovery process of step S4 is executed but the device is not controlled to the setting confirmation state.

After executing the setting confirmation process or setting change process, the CPU 103 executes a random number circuit setting process to initialize the random number circuit 104 (step S8). Then, the register of the CTC built into the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically at a predetermined time (e.g., every 2 ms) (step S9), and the interrupt is permitted (step S10). After that, a loop process is entered. After that, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can execute the timer interrupt process periodically.

When the CPU 103 that has executed such game control main processing receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5. When the game control timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 5 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch processing to determine whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches such as the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, the second start port switch 22B, and the count switch 23 via the switch circuit 110 (step S21). Next, by executing a predetermined main side error processing, it performs an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko game machine 1, and can issue a warning if necessary depending on the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output processing, it outputs data such as jackpot information (information indicating the number of jackpots), start information (information indicating the number of start winnings), and probability fluctuation information (information indicating the number of times the game has entered a probability variable state) that are supplied to a hall management computer installed outside the pachinko game machine 1 (step S23).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process is executed to update at least a portion of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software (step S24). After this, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process process (step S25). By the CPU 103 executing the special symbol process process at each timer interrupt, the execution and reservation management of the special symbol game, the control of the jackpot game state, the control of the game state, etc. are realized.

Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). The CPU 103 executes the normal symbol process at each timer interrupt, enabling the execution and reservation management of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passing gate 41), and the opening control of the variable winning ball device 6B based on a "normal symbol hit". The normal symbol game is executed by driving the normal symbol display 20, and the number of reserved normal symbols is displayed by lighting the normal symbol reservation display 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process processing, as part of the game control timer interrupt processing, processing when a power outage occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, etc. may be performed. Then, the CPU 103 executes a command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may set a performance control command for transmission in each of the above processes. In the command control processing of step S27, a process is performed to transmit the performance control command set for transmission to a sub-side control board such as the performance control board 12. After executing the command control processing, the interrupt is permitted and then the game control timer interrupt processing is terminated.

Figure 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the special symbol process executed in step S25 shown in Figure 5. In this special symbol process, the CPU 103 first executes a start winning determination process (step S101).

In the start winning judgment process, a process is executed to detect the occurrence of a start winning, store the reserved information in a specified area of the RAM 102, and update the reserved memory number. When a start winning occurs, a random number value for determining the display result (including the type of big win) and the variation pattern is extracted and stored as reserved information. In addition, a process for predicting and judging the display result and the variation pattern based on the extracted random number value may be executed. After the reserved information and the reserved memory number are stored, a transmission setting is performed to transmit a performance control command to the performance control board 12 to specify the judgment results such as the occurrence of a start winning, the reserved memory number, and the predictive judgment. The performance control command at the time of the start winning that has been transmitted and set in this way is transmitted from the main board 11 to the performance control board 12, for example, after the special pattern process is completed, by executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. 5.

After executing the start winning determination process in step S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes in steps S110 to S120 depending on the value of the special symbol process flag provided in the RAM 102. Note that in each step of the special symbol process (steps S110 to S120), a transmission setting is made to transmit a performance control command corresponding to each step to the performance control board 12.

The normal special pattern processing in step S110 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "0" (initial value). In this normal special pattern processing, a determination is made as to whether or not to start the first special pattern game or the second special pattern game based on the presence or absence of reserved information. In addition, in the normal special pattern processing, based on a random number value for determining the display result, whether or not the display result of the special pattern or the decorative pattern is to be a "jackpot" and, if it is a "jackpot", the type of jackpot is determined (pre-determined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the normal special pattern processing, a determined special pattern (either a jackpot pattern or a losing pattern) to be stopped and displayed in the special pattern game is set in response to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "1", and the normal special pattern processing is terminated. In addition, the special pattern game using the second special pattern may be executed in priority to the special pattern game using the first special pattern (also called special pattern 2 priority consumption). Also, the order in which the game balls enter the first start winning slot and the second start winning slot may be stored, and the conditions for starting the special game may be met in the order in which the balls enter (also known as winning order consumption).

When making various decisions based on random number values, various tables stored in ROM 101 (tables in which decision values compared with random number values are assigned to decision results) are referenced. The same applies to other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the performance control board 12. On the performance control board 12, various tables are stored in ROM 121.

The fluctuation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "1". This fluctuation pattern setting process includes a process of determining one of multiple types of fluctuation patterns using a random number value for determining the fluctuation pattern based on a pre-determined result of whether or not the display result is a "jackpot". In the fluctuation pattern setting process, when a fluctuation pattern is determined, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "2" and the fluctuation pattern setting process ends.

The variation pattern specifies the execution time of the special game (special game variation time) (which is also the execution time of the variable display of the decorative symbols), the manner of the variable display of the decorative symbols (whether or not there is a reach, etc.), and the content of the presentation during the variable display of the decorative symbols (type of reach presentation, etc.), and is also called the variable display pattern.

The special pattern change process of step S112 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "2". This special pattern change process includes a process for making settings to change the special pattern in the first special pattern display device 4A and the second special pattern display device 4B, and a process for measuring the elapsed time since the special pattern started to change. It also determines whether the measured elapsed time has reached the special pattern change time corresponding to the change pattern. Then, when the elapsed time since the special pattern started to change reaches the special pattern change time, the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "3", and the special pattern change process ends.

The special pattern stop process in step S113 is executed when the value of the special pattern process flag is "3". This special pattern stop process includes a process for setting the first special pattern display device 4A and the second special pattern display device 4B to stop the fluctuation of the special pattern and to stop displaying (deriving) the confirmed special pattern that is the display result of the special pattern. If the display result is a "jackpot", the value of the special pattern process flag is updated to "4". If the display result is a "miss", when the time-saving state or the probability bonus state is controlled and the end of the number-cutting is established, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special pattern process flag is updated, the special pattern stop process ends.

The pre-opening process for the jackpot in step S114 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "4". This pre-opening process for the jackpot includes a process for setting the jackpot opening port to open by starting the execution of a round in the jackpot game state based on the display result being "jackpot". When the jackpot opening port is opened, a process for supplying a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening port is executed. At this time, for example, depending on the type of jackpot, the maximum open period for the jackpot opening port and the maximum number of rounds to be executed are set. When these settings are completed, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "5" and the pre-opening process for the jackpot is completed.

The jackpot opening process of step S115 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "5". This jackpot opening process includes a process for measuring the time that has elapsed since the jackpot opening was opened, and a process for determining whether or not it is time to return the jackpot opening from an open state to a closed state based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23. When the jackpot opening is to be returned to a closed state, a process for stopping the supply of a solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the jackpot opening door is executed, and then the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "6", and the jackpot opening process is terminated.

The post-jackpot opening process of step S116 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "6". This post-jackpot opening process includes a process for determining whether the number of times the round that opens the big prize opening has been executed has reached a set upper limit, and a process for making settings to end the jackpot game state when the upper limit has been reached. When the number of times the round has been executed has not reached the upper limit, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "5", whereas when the number of times the round has been executed has reached the upper limit, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "7". When the value of the special chart process flag is updated, the post-jackpot opening process ends.

The jackpot end process of step S117 is executed when the value of the special chart process flag is "7". This jackpot end process includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period during which an ending presentation is executed as a presentation operation that notifies the end of the jackpot game state has elapsed, and a process of making various settings for starting special rate control or time-saving control in response to the end of the jackpot game state. When such settings are made, the value of the special chart process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot end process ends.

(Main operations of the performance control board 12)
Next, the main operations of the performance control board 12 will be described. When the performance control board 12 receives a power supply voltage from a power supply board or the like, the performance control CPU 120 starts up and executes the performance control main process as shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9. When the performance control main process shown in Fig. 9 starts, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a predetermined initialization process (step S71), clears the RAM 122, sets various initial values, and sets the registers of the CTC (counter/timer circuit) mounted on the performance control board 12. In addition, it executes an initial operation control process (step S72). In the initial operation control process, control is executed to perform the initial operation of the movable body 32, such as control to drive the movable body 32 to return it to the origin position and control to perform a predetermined operation check.

Then, it is determined whether the timer interrupt flag is on or not (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to the on state every time a predetermined time (e.g., 2 milliseconds) elapses, for example based on the register setting of the CTC. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeatedly executed and the process waits.

In addition, on the performance control board 12 side, an interrupt occurs to receive a performance control command from the main board 11, in addition to a timer interrupt that occurs every time a predetermined time has elapsed. This interrupt occurs, for example, when the performance control INT signal from the main board 11 becomes ON. When an interrupt occurs due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 automatically sets the interrupt to be prohibited, but if a CPU that does not automatically become interrupt prohibited is used, it is desirable to issue an interrupt prohibition command (DI command). In response to an interrupt due to the performance control INT signal becoming ON, the performance control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, a performance control command is taken in from a predetermined input port that receives a control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15, among the input ports included in the I/O 125. The performance control command taken in at this time is stored in a performance control command reception buffer provided in, for example, the RAM 122. The performance control CPU 120 then sets the interrupt to permitted and ends the command reception interrupt process.

If the timer interrupt flag is on in step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to an off state (step S74), and a command analysis process is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, various presentation control commands transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the presentation control command reception buffer are read, and then settings and controls corresponding to the read presentation control commands are performed. For example, the read presentation control command is stored in a specified area of the RAM 122, or a reception flag provided in the RAM 122 is turned on so that which presentation control command was received and the contents specified by the presentation control command can be confirmed in the presentation control process process, etc. In addition, if the presentation control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background corresponding to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the performance control process is executed (step S76). In the performance control process, for example, control is performed to operate various performance devices, such as the display operation of the performance image in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the decorative light-emitting elements such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LEDs, and the driving operation of the movable body 32. In addition, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. are made regarding the control contents of the performance operations using the various performance devices in accordance with the performance control commands, etc. transmitted from the main board 11.

Following the performance control process processing of step S76, a performance random number update process is executed (step S77), and at least a portion of the performance random numbers used on the performance control board 12 side is updated by software. Then, the process returns to step S73. Before returning to step S73, other processes may be executed.

Figure 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the processing executed in step S76 of Figure 9 as the performance control process processing. In the performance control process processing shown in Figure 10, the performance control CPU 120 first executes a look-ahead notice setting process (step S161). In the look-ahead notice setting process, for example, judgments, decisions, settings, etc. for executing the look-ahead notice performance are made based on the performance control command at the time of the start winning transmitted from the main board 11. In addition, processing is executed to display the hold display based on the number of hold memories specified from the performance control command.

After executing the processing of step S161, the performance control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the processing of steps S170 to S175 as described below, depending on the value of a performance process flag provided in, for example, RAM 122.

The variable display start waiting process of step S170 is a process that is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process includes a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command specifying the start of variable display has been received from the main board 11. If it is determined that variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5 should be started, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "1" and the variable display start waiting process ends.

The variable display start setting process of step S171 is a process executed when the value of the performance process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (determined decorative pattern), the mode of the variable display of the decorative pattern, whether or not various performances such as reach performances and various advance notice performances are executed, and the mode and execution start timing are determined based on the display result and the variation pattern specified by the performance control command. Then, a performance control pattern (a collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute a performance) that reflects the determined result is set. After that, based on the set performance control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is terminated. In response to the instruction to start the execution of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the display control unit 123 starts the variable display of the decorative pattern on the image display device 5.

The variable display performance process of step S172 is a process executed when the performance process flag is "2". In this variable display performance process, the performance control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display a performance image based on the performance control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5, to drive the movable body 32, to output voice and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting a command (sound effect signal) to the voice control board 13, and to turn on/off/blink the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED by outputting a command (illumination signal) to the lamp control board 14, thereby executing various performance controls during the variable display of the decorative pattern. After performing such performance control, for example, in response to the reading of an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern from the performance control pattern, or the reception of a command specifying the stop display of the fixed decorative pattern from the main board 11, the fixed decorative pattern, which is the display result of the decorative pattern, is stopped. When the final decorative pattern is displayed in a stopped state, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "3" and the performance process during variable display ends.

The special winning wait process of step S173 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "3". In this special winning wait process, the presentation control CPU 120 judges whether or not a presentation control command designating the start of a jackpot game state has been received from the main board 11. Then, when a presentation control command designating the start of a jackpot game state is received, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to "4". Also, when a command designating the start of a jackpot game state is not received and the waiting time for receiving the command has elapsed, it is judged that the display result in the special winning game was a "miss", and the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value of "0". When the value of the presentation process flag is updated, the special winning wait process is terminated.

The jackpot performance process of step S174 is executed when the performance process flag value is "6". In this jackpot performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the jackpot gaming state, and executes various performance controls in the jackpot gaming state based on the set content. In addition, in the jackpot performance process, for example, in response to receiving a command from the main board 11 specifying that the jackpot gaming state is to end, the value of the performance process flag is updated to "5", which is a value corresponding to the ending performance process, and the jackpot performance process ends.

The ending presentation process of step S175 is executed when the value of the presentation process flag is "7". In this ending presentation process, the presentation control CPU 120 sets a presentation control pattern corresponding to, for example, the end of a jackpot gaming state, and executes various presentation controls for the ending presentation at the end of the jackpot gaming state based on the set contents. After that, the value of the presentation process flag is updated to the initial value "0", and the ending presentation process is terminated.

(Modification of the basic explanation)
This invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the basic description above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 described above is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of gaming media as prizes when a prize is won, but it may also be an enclosed type gaming machine that encloses gaming media and awards points when a prize is won.

Only one type of pattern (for example, a symbol showing "- ") may be displayed during the variable display of the special pattern, and the variable display may be achieved by repeatedly turning on and off the pattern. Furthermore, even if the pattern is displayed during the variable display, the pattern may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the symbol showing "- " may not be displayed as a display result).

In the above basic explanation, a pachinko gaming machine 1 was shown as the gaming machine, but the present invention can also be applied to slot machines (e.g., slot machines equipped with one or more of big bonus, regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, CZ (hereinafter, bonus, etc.)) that can play a game in which medals are inserted and a predetermined bet amount is set, multiple types of symbols are rotated in response to the player's operation of the control lever, and when the symbols are stopped in response to the player's operation of the stop button, a specific combination of symbols is formed, and a predetermined number of medals is paid out to the player.

The programs and data for implementing the present invention are not limited to being distributed or provided to the computer device included in the pachinko gaming machine 1 by a removable recording medium, but may be distributed by being pre-installed in a storage device of the computer device or the like. Furthermore, the programs and data for implementing the present invention may be distributed by being downloaded from another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communications processing unit.

The game can be executed not only by inserting a removable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing a program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like in an internal memory, or by directly executing the game using the hardware resources of another device on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game can be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

In this specification, expressions of comparison of various percentages such as the execution percentage of effects (such as "high", "low", "different", etc.) may include one being a percentage of "0%". For example, they also include one being a percentage of "0%" and the other being a percentage of "100%" or a percentage less than "100%".

This gaming machine may be controlled to time-saving state B (also called rescue time-saving state or rescue time-saving) among the multiple types of time-saving states when, after the power is turned on (when the RAM clear process is executed) or after a jackpot occurs, the next jackpot does not occur even if the variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (900 times in this example) in a low probability state. This rescue time-saving state is provided to rescue players who have played for a long period of time but have not won a jackpot (for example, to reduce the amount of money invested in the game), and in this example, it is a game state called "Yu-time".

In this embodiment, if the multiple types of jackpots are controlled to jackpot A, 110 variable displays are performed in time-saving state A (low probability/high base state) out of the multiple types of time-saving states, so the number of variable displays remaining from the end of time-saving state A to the arrival of the rescue time-saving state is 790, while if the multiple types of jackpots are controlled to either jackpot B or jackpot C, 110 variable displays are performed in the probability variable state (high probability/high base state), so the number of variable displays remaining from the end of the probability variable state to the arrival of the rescue time-saving state is 900. Also, in this embodiment, the number of variable displays in time-saving state B (low probability/high base state) based on the value of the rescue time-saving count counter becoming "0" is 1100.

In this embodiment, in the variable display when the rescue time reduction is reached, a shutter image is displayed on the entire screen of the image display device 5, thereby reducing the visibility of the first background image corresponding to the normal state that was displayed as the background image in the variable display before the rescue time reduction is reached, and then a third background image corresponding to the rescue time reduction is displayed as the background image.

In this embodiment, the left side of the image display device 5 on the game board 2 of the pachinko game machine 1 is formed in a left game area where game balls can flow down, and the right side of the image display device 5 on the game board 2 is formed in a right game area where game balls can flow down. Game balls that are weakly shot by the launching device flow down the first path in the left game area, and game balls that are strongly shot by the launching device flow down the second path in the right game area.

In this embodiment, the special variable winning ball device 7 has a first large winning opening and a second large winning opening formed along the flow direction of the game balls. The first large winning opening can be changed between an open state where game balls can enter and a closed state where game balls cannot enter by driving a large winning opening door (not shown) to open and close by driving a solenoid. The second large winning opening can be changed between an open state where game balls can enter and a closed state where game balls cannot enter by driving a large winning opening door (not shown) to open and close by driving a solenoid.

Furthermore, a first count switch 069SG023A capable of detecting a game ball is provided in the first large prize opening, and a second count switch 069SG023B capable of detecting a game ball is provided in the second large prize opening.

In other words, game balls flowing down the left game area (first path) can win in the general winning port 10 and the first start winning port formed by the winning ball device 6A, and game balls flowing down the right game area (second path) can win in the second start winning port formed by the variable winning ball device 6B, the general winning port 10, and the first or second large winning port formed by the special variable winning ball device 7, and can also pass through the passing gate 41.

In addition, in this embodiment, the switch circuit 110 is connected to the first count switch 069SG023A, the second count switch 069SG023B, and the jackpot start switch 069SG024 built into the jackpot start gate 069SG042.

There are multiple obstacle nails between the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B and the special variable winning ball device 7. For this reason, game balls flowing down the left game area cannot win in the second start winning hole or the large winning hole, and game balls flowing down the right game area cannot win in the first start winning hole.

As shown in FIG. 9, at a predetermined position on the game board 2 of the pachinko game machine 1 in this embodiment (for example, the lower left position of the game area), there are a first special pattern display device 069SG004A capable of variable display of the first special pattern, a second special pattern display device 069SG004B capable of variable display of the second special pattern, a first reserved indicator 069SG025A capable of displaying the first reserved memory number, a second reserved indicator 069SG025B capable of displaying the second reserved memory number, a normal pattern display device 069SG020 capable of variable display of normal patterns, a normal reserved indicator 069SG025C capable of displaying the normal reserved memory number, a jackpot The game information display unit includes a round indicator 069SG131 capable of displaying the number of rounds (jackpot type) of the jackpot game during play, a right-hit lamp 069SG132 that lights up in a game state in which the game ball is shot toward the right game area, such as a jackpot game state, a high probability/high base state (probability change state), or a low probability/high base state (time-saving state), a probability change lamp 069SG133 that lights up when the game is in a high probability/high base state (probability change state), and a time-saving lamp 069SG134 that lights up in a high probability/high base state (probability change state) and a low probability/high base state (time-saving state). Note that, when the game state is normal, the right-hit lamp 069SG132 exceptionally lights up from the timing when the variable display stops if the variable display result is a jackpot.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main board 11 is equipped with an information output circuit for outputting game information (signals) to an external device such as a management computer of the gaming center where the pachinko gaming machine 1 is installed, via a terminal board (not shown).

In this embodiment, the second large prize opening has a V prize opening and an outlet downstream of the V prize opening. A variable V prize opening device (V lid) is provided upstream of the V prize opening. The variable V prize opening device changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid. In other words, the game balls flowing down the second large prize opening can pass through the V prize opening when the variable V prize opening device is in the open state, and cannot pass through the V prize opening and instead flow down to the outlet when the variable V prize opening device is in the closed state.

As shown in FIG. 9, the main board 11 is provided with a V switch 069SG023B1 that can detect, via a switch circuit 110, that the game ball has passed through the V entry port provided downstream of the second large entry port, and an ejection switch 069SG023B2 that can detect that the game ball has passed through the ejection port.

The performance control board 12 is also connected to a vibration motor 61 built into the push button 31B and a movable body motor 207 for operating the movable body 32. The lamp control board 14 is also connected to a right-hit LED 069SG031 for encouraging a right-hit operation, a first special symbol LED 069SG032 that lights up during the variable display of the first special symbol, a second special symbol LED 069SG033 that lights up during the variable display of the second special symbol, a first reserved LED 069SG034A that lights up when the first reserved memory number is 1 to 2, and a first reserved LED 069SG035A that lights up when the first reserved memory number is 3 to 4. 69SG034B, a second pending LED 069SG035A that lights up when the second pending memory number is 1 to 2, a second pending LED 069SG035B that lights up when the second pending memory number is 3 to 4, a button LED 62 built into the push button 31B, a movable body LED 208 built into the movable body 32, and frame LEDs 9L1 to 9L12, 9R1 to 9R12 provided on the gaming machine frame 3 are connected.

Figure 10 (A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating the random number value counted on the main board 11 side. As shown in Figure 10 (A), in this embodiment, on the main board 11 side, in addition to the random number value MR1 for determining the special chart display result, the random number value MR2 for determining the jackpot type, the random number value MR3 for determining the variation pattern, the random number value MR4 for determining the normal chart display result, and the random number value MR5 for determining the initial value of MR4 are controlled so that they can be counted. In addition, random number values other than these may be used to enhance the game effect. These random number values MR1 to MR5 may be counted by updating them by software using different random counters in the CPU 103, or may be updated by the random number circuit 104. The random number circuit 104 may be built into the game control microcomputer 100, or may be configured as a random number circuit chip different from the game control microcomputer 100. Such random numbers used to control the progress of the game are also called game random numbers.

In this embodiment, the random numbers MR1 to MR5 are set to the ranges shown in FIG. 10(A), but the present invention is not limited to this, and the ranges of the random numbers MR1 to MR5 may be varied depending on the settings set in the pachinko game machine 1.

In the game control microcomputer 100, the CPU 103 executes a program read from the ROM 101 and uses the RAM 102 as a work area to execute various processes for controlling the progress of the game in the pachinko game machine 1. The CPU 103 also executes a random number generation program to generate all of the various random numbers used on the main board 11.

The ROM 101 provided in the game control microcomputer 100 stores various table data used to control the progress of the game in addition to the game control program. For example, the ROM 101 stores table data constituting a plurality of judgment tables prepared for the CPU 103 to make various judgments and decisions. The ROM 101 also stores table data constituting a plurality of control pattern tables used by the CPU 103 to output various control signals from the main board 11, and a variation pattern judgment table that stores a plurality of variation patterns that become the variable display mode of each pattern in the variable display of special patterns, normal patterns, etc.

Figure 10 (B) shows an example of the configuration of the special chart display result judgment table stored in ROM 101. As the special chart display result judgment table, a common special chart display result judgment table is used for the first special chart and the second special chart, but the present invention is not limited to this, and separate special chart display result judgment tables may be used for the first special chart and the second special chart.

The special symbol display result determination table is a table that is referenced to determine whether or not to control the variable display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot" before a determined special symbol that is a variable display result is derived and displayed in a special symbol game using a first special symbol by the first special symbol display device 4A or a special symbol game using a second special symbol by the second special symbol display device 4B, based on a random number value MR1 for determining the special symbol display result.

In the special chart display result judgment table, a numerical value (judgment value) that is compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is assigned to the special chart display result of "jackpot" or "miss" depending on whether the game state of the pachinko game machine 1 is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state), or a probability change state (high probability state).

In the special chart display result judgment table, the table data indicating the judgment value to be compared with the random number value MR1 for judging the special chart display result is judgment data assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control the special chart display result to a jackpot game state as a "jackpot". In the special chart display result judgment table, when the game state is a probability variable state (high probability state), more judgment values are assigned to the special chart display result of a "jackpot" than when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state). As a result, in the probability variable state (high probability state) in which probability variable control is performed in the pachinko game machine 1, the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and that the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state is higher (approximately 1/80.02) than the probability of determining that the special chart display result is a "jackpot" and that the game state is controlled to a jackpot game state when the game state is a normal state or a time-saving state (low probability state) (approximately 1/319.68). That is, in the special chart display result judgment table, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is in a probability variable state (high probability state), the judgment data is assigned to the decision result of whether or not to control to a jackpot gaming state so that the probability of deciding to control to a jackpot gaming state is higher than when it is in a normal state or a time-saving state.

The judgment tables stored in ROM 101 include the first special symbol display result judgment table and the second special symbol display result judgment table shown in FIG. 7, as well as the jackpot type judgment table (for the first special symbol) shown in FIG. 10 (C1) and the jackpot type judgment table (for the second special symbol) shown in FIG. 10 (C2), as well as a fluctuation pattern judgment table, a normal symbol display result judgment table (not shown), and a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination table (not shown).

The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the probability of winning a jackpot (ball payout rate) does not change depending on the set value, but it may also be configured so that the probability of winning a jackpot (ball payout rate) changes depending on the set value.

(Big hit type determination table)
10(C1) and 10(C2) are explanatory diagrams showing the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol) and the jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol) stored in the ROM 101. Of these, FIG. 10(C1) is a table for determining the jackpot type using reserved memory based on the game ball winning the first start winning slot (i.e., when the first special symbol is displayed variably). Also, FIG. 10(C1) is a table for determining the jackpot type using reserved memory based on the game ball winning the second start winning slot (i.e., when the second special symbol is displayed variably).

The jackpot type determination table is a table that is referenced when a decision is made to make the variable display result a jackpot pattern, to determine the type of jackpot as one of jackpots A to C, based on the random number (MR2) for determining the jackpot type.

Now, the types of jackpots in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG. 10(D). In this embodiment, the jackpot types provided are jackpot A, jackpot B, and jackpot C, for which time-saving control is executed for a maximum of 110 variable displays after the end of the jackpot game state. In addition, these jackpots A, B, and C are also jackpots for which special control is executed for a maximum of 110 variable displays after the end of the jackpot game by the game ball entering the V winning port after entering the second large winning port in the first round of the jackpot game state.

In this embodiment, the open state of the variable V winning ball device (V lid) can be a short open state (e.g., 0.1 seconds) in which the open state lasts for a short period of time, and a long open state (e.g., 15 seconds) in which the open state lasts for a long period of time. In the case of jackpot A, the variable V winning ball device is in a short open state in the first round of the jackpot game state, and in the cases of jackpot B and jackpot C, the variable V winning ball device is in a long open state in the first round of the jackpot game state.

The jackpot game state resulting from "jackpot A" is a normal opening jackpot that changes the second large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the first round, and changes the first large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the second to sixth rounds. In addition, with "jackpot A", the variable V prize entry device is in a short open state in the first round, making it extremely difficult to get the game ball to enter the V prize entry port, and it is not expected that the special bonus control will be executed, so it is essentially a normal jackpot.

The jackpot game state resulting from "jackpot B" is a normal opening jackpot that changes the second large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the first round, and changes the first large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the second to sixth rounds. In addition, with "jackpot B", the variable V prize entry device is in a long open state in the first round, making it extremely easy to get the game ball to enter the V prize entry port, and it is expected that the special chance control will be executed, making it a virtual special chance jackpot.

The jackpot game state resulting from "jackpot C" is a normal opening jackpot that changes the second large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the first round, and changes the first large prize entry port to an open state advantageous to the player in the second to tenth rounds. In addition, with "jackpot C", the variable V prize entry ball device is in a long open state in the first round, making it extremely easy to get the game ball to enter the V prize entry port, and it is expected that the special chance control will be executed, making it a virtual special chance jackpot.

In this embodiment, three types of jackpots, jackpot A to jackpot C, are provided as jackpot types, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or less types of jackpots, or four or more types of jackpots may be provided.

Also, as shown in FIG. 10 (C1), in the jackpot type determination table (for the first special symbol), of the range of MR2 determination values from 0 to 299, 0 to 149 is assigned to jackpot A, and 150 to 299 is assigned to jackpot B. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10 (C2), in the jackpot type determination table (for the second special symbol), of the range of MR2 determination values from 0 to 299, 0 to 99 is assigned to jackpot B, and 100 to 299 is assigned to jackpot C.

In other words, in this embodiment, when the variable special symbol is the first special symbol, there is a 50% probability that the game ball will enter the V winning hole in the first round of the jackpot game state, and both the special probability control and the time-saving control are implemented after the jackpot game ends. Furthermore, when the variable special symbol is the second special symbol, there is a 100% probability that the game ball will enter the V winning hole in the first round of the jackpot game state, and both the special probability control and the time-saving control are implemented after the jackpot game ends.

In this example, even if a jackpot A occurs, it is possible for a V entry to occur when the V lid is in a short open state, but this is extremely rare, so in the case of a jackpot A, it will be explained as not having a V entry and the special rate control not being executed. Also, even if a jackpot B or jackpot C occurs, it is possible for a V entry not to occur when the V lid is in a long open state, but this is extremely rare, so in the case of a jackpot B or jackpot C, it will be explained as having a V entry and the special rate control being executed.

In this embodiment, the type of jackpot is determined using MR2, which is a random number value for determining the type of jackpot, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the type of jackpot may be determined using MR1, which is a random number value for determining the result of the special chart display.

In addition, in this embodiment, for example, as the jackpot type for the second special symbol, a form having jackpots B and C in which 110 times of probability variable control and time-saving control can be executed after the end of the jackpot game state has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a jackpot D in which time-saving control is executed 1009 times (probability variable state: 110 times + time-saving state A: 899 times) after the end of the jackpot game state may be provided. By doing so, it is almost certain that the next jackpot will be won, which increases interest, and even if a jackpot does not occur in the 110 times probability variable state after the end of jackpot D and the probability variable control ends, after 899 variable displays are executed without a jackpot occurring in time-saving state A (low probability/high base state), simply executing one variable display in the normal state will further control to time-saving state B (rescue time-saving state) described later, which increases interest.

(Time reduction)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the number of time-saving times for each transition trigger. As shown in FIG. 11, in this example, when a jackpot A occurs and the game ball does not enter the probability variable area, (1) the time-saving control is performed 110 times, and (2) the low probability control is performed 110 times, and the game enters the probability variable area (in this example, the game enters the time-saving state A (in this example, the time-saving state B is controlled to a battle rush (BATTLE RUSH) in which the time-saving control is performed 110 times). Also, when either a jackpot B or a jackpot C occurs and the game ball enters the probability variable area, (1) the time-saving control is performed 110 times, and (2) the probability variable control is performed 110 times (in this example, the time-saving state C is controlled to a battle rush (BATTLE RUSH) in which the time-saving control is performed 110 times). In addition, when 900 variable displays are performed in a low probability state without being controlled to a jackpot, (1) time-saving control is performed 1100 times, and (2) low probability control is performed 1100 times, and the game is controlled to a time-saving state B (in this example, a time-saving state B of 1100 times (Yu-1100 Battle Rush (Yu-1100 Battle Rush))). However, even if 900 fluctuations are performed again in a low probability state without being controlled to a jackpot after the end of the time-saving state B, the game is not controlled to the time-saving state B again based on this.

In addition, when a losing symbol with time reduction is stopped and displayed in the normal state, (1) the time reduction control is performed 1100 times, and (2) the low probability control is performed 1100 times, so that the time reduction state B (in this example, the play state with 1100 time reductions and 1100 battle rushes) may be controlled. In this case, even if a losing symbol with time reduction is stopped and displayed in the high base state (probability change state, time reduction state), the transition control of the game state is not performed (it is not controlled to the time reduction state with 1100 time reductions). This is to avoid reducing the degree of relief for the player. For example, if a losing symbol with time reduction is stopped and displayed when the game is controlled in the probability change state where a jackpot is likely to occur, the game state is re-controlled to the time reduction state with 1100 time reductions, which is not preferable because it would be controlled from an advantageous state to an unfavorable state for the player. Therefore, the game can be configured to be controlled to a time-saving state of 1,100 times only if the game state controlled when the time-saving losing symbol is stopped and displayed is a normal state.

The rescue time-saving achievement rate is the percentage of control to the time-saving state via rescue time-saving. The time-saving state via rescue time-saving is controlled by performing variable display n times (900 times in this example) without being controlled to the jackpot game state, so the rescue time-saving achievement rate K can be calculated as follows.

K={(1-ML)^n}×100

(K = rescue time reduction achievement rate, ML = jackpot probability, n = variable display number)
Specifically, for example, if the jackpot probability ML in this embodiment is about 1/319, the rescue time reduction achievement rate K is 5.9%. In the case of a gaming machine that allows the setting of a set value, if the rescue time reduction achievement rate is set to be higher as the jackpot probability is lower, the player can be rescued even if the jackpot probability is set to a low value.

(Fluctuation pattern)
12 to 15 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the fluctuation pattern determination table in this embodiment.

Figure 12 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories in the normal state is 0 to 2, (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 12(A), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 2, 9850 judgment values are assigned to non-reach B, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach A, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach B, and 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C. Also, as shown in FIG. 12(B), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 3, 9850 judgment values are assigned to shortened non-reach B, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach A, 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach B, and 50 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12(C), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for jackpots when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 100 judgment values are assigned to SP non-via B, 2000 judgment values are assigned to SP reach A, 3600 judgment values are assigned to SP reach B, and 4300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C. In this way, the jackpot expectation increases in the order of SP reach A (battle reach) < SP reach B (story reach A) < SP reach C (story reach B). By doing this, you can pay attention to the reach performance that will develop into the next stage.

In addition, FIG. 13 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories in the special probability state is 0, (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 13(A), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 0, 9500 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, 200 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C, and 300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D. Also, as shown in FIG. 13(B), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, 8500 judgment values are assigned to shortened non-reach A, 1000 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, 200 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C, and 300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 13(C), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0, 500 judgment values are assigned to SP non-via A, 8000 judgment values are assigned to SP reach C, and 1500 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D.

In addition, FIG. 14 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories in time-saving state A is 0, (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 14(A), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 0, 9,500 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, and 500 judgment values are assigned to SP reach E. Also, as shown in FIG. 14(B), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, 9,000 judgment values are assigned to shortened non-reach A, 500 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, and 500 judgment values are assigned to SP reach E.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 14(C), in the fluctuation pattern judgment table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 500 judgment values are assigned to SP non-via A, and 9,500 judgment values are assigned to SP reach E.

In addition, FIG. 15 shows (A) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 0 in time-saving state B (rescue time-saving state), (B) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a miss when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, and (C) a specific example of a fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3.

As shown in FIG. 15(A), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 0, 9700 judgment values are assigned to non-reach A, and 300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(B), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for misses when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, 9700 judgment values are assigned to super-shortened non-reach, and 300 judgment values are assigned to SP reach D.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15(C), in the fluctuation pattern determination table for a jackpot when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, 10,000 determination values are assigned to SP Reach D.

As shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), in the high probability state, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the average time of the variable display time of the variable pattern for a loss that can be determined is approximately 8.2 seconds {((7s x 95) + (40s x 2) + (25s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 8.2}, and when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the average time of the variable display time of the variable pattern for a loss that can be determined is approximately 4.8 seconds {((3s x 85) + (7s x 10) + (40s x 2) + (25s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 4.8}.

Assuming that the first variable display when the probability of a special state begins has a reserved memory number of 0, and that the 2nd to 110th variable display has a reserved memory number of 1 to 3, the average variable display time for a losing variable pattern that can be determined in the probability of a special state is approximately 4.83 seconds {(8.2 + (4.8 x 109)) ÷ 110 = 4.83}.

Also, as shown in FIG. 13(C), the average time of the variable display time of the variable pattern for a jackpot that can be determined in the high probability state when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3 is approximately 51.1 seconds {((22 s x 5) + (55 s x 80) + (40 s x 15)) ÷ 100 = 51.1}, so the average time of the variable display time of the variable pattern for a jackpot that can be determined in the high probability state is approximately 51.1 seconds.

As shown in Figures 14 (A) and (B), in time-saving state A, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a miss that can be determined is approximately 9.15 seconds {((7 s x 95) + (50 s x 5)) ÷ 100 = 9.15}, and when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a miss that can be determined is approximately 5.55 seconds {((3 s x 90) + (7 s x 5) + (50 s x 5)) ÷ 100 = 5.55}.

Assuming that when time-saving state A starts, the first variable display has a pending memory count of 0, and the 2nd to 110th variable displays have a pending memory count of 1 to 3, the average variable display time of the variable display pattern for a miss that can be determined in time-saving state A is approximately 5.58 seconds {(9.15 + (5.55 x 109)) ÷ 110 = 5.58}.

Also, as shown in FIG. 14(C), the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a jackpot that can be determined when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3 in time-saving state A is approximately 62.8 seconds {((22 s x 5) + (55 s x 95)) ÷ 100 = 62.85}.

As shown in Figures 15(A) and 15(B), in time-saving state B, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a miss that can be determined is approximately 7.54 seconds {((7 s x 97) + (25 s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 7.54}, and when the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the average variable display time of the variable pattern for a miss that can be determined is approximately 2.205 seconds {((1.5 s x 97) + (25 s x 3)) ÷ 100 = 2.205}.

Assuming that when time-saving state B starts, the first variable display has a pending memory count of 0, and the 2nd to 1100th variable display has a pending memory count of 1 to 3, the average variable display time of the variable display pattern for a miss that can be determined in time-saving state B is approximately 2.2 seconds {(7.54 + (2.205 x 1099)) ÷ 1100 = 2.20985}.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 15(C), the average time of the variable display time of the variable pattern for a jackpot that can be determined in time-saving state B when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3 is approximately 40 seconds, so the average time of the variable display time of the variable pattern for a jackpot that can be determined in time-saving state B is approximately 40 seconds.

In this way, when the number of reserved memories is 0, the number of possible variation patterns for a miss is three for the special state, two for the time-saving state A, and two for the time-saving state B. When the number of reserved memories is 1 to 3, the number of possible variation patterns for a miss is four for the special state, three for the time-saving state A, and two for the time-saving state B.

The average variable display time of the determinable losing variation pattern is 4.83 seconds in the guaranteed bonus state, 5.58 seconds in time-saving state A, and 2.2 seconds in time-saving state B.

In addition, when the number of reserved memories is 0 to 3, the number of variable patterns for a jackpot that can be determined is three for the special state, two for the time-saving state A, and one for the time-saving state B.
In addition, the average variable display time of the determinable jackpot fluctuation pattern is 51.1 seconds in the special state, 62.8 seconds in the time-saving state A, and 40 seconds in the time-saving state B.

In other words, the number of types of variable patterns for misses that can be determined decreases in the order of high probability state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (high probability state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B), and the average time of the variable display time of the variable patterns for misses that can be determined decreases in the order of high probability state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (high probability state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B).

In addition, the types of variable patterns for big wins that can be determined decrease in the order of special probability state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (special probability state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B), and the average time of the variable display time of the variable patterns for big wins that can be determined decreases in the order of special probability state, time-saving state A, and time-saving state B (special probability state > time-saving state A > time-saving state B). In this way, the time-saving state B has fewer types of variable patterns and a shorter variable display period than the special probability state and time-saving state A. In other words, a monotonous and efficient variable display is performed.

In addition, the number of types of fluctuation patterns for misses and types of fluctuation patterns for big wins that can be determined is greater in the special state than in the time-saving state A, but the number of types of fluctuation patterns for big wins may be greater in the time-saving state A than in the special state, or may be the same in the special state and the time-saving state A.

The various fluctuation pattern determination tables shown in Figures 12 to 15 are used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol. In particular, in time-saving state B, the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in Figure 15 is used in common for the first special symbol and the second special symbol, so that even if the first start winning occurs in time-saving state B, the number of possible fluctuation pattern types that can be determined is smaller than in the probability bonus state or time-saving state A, and the average variable display time is shorter, resulting in a monotonous and efficient variable display.

In addition, different fluctuation pattern determination tables may be used for the first special symbol and the second special symbol.
In addition, when a V winning occurs in the jackpot game state by "jackpot A", the game is controlled to a probability variable state in which probability variable control and time-saving control are executed after the end of the jackpot game state, similar to "jackpot B" and "jackpot C", so the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 13. In addition, when a V winning does not occur in the jackpot game state by "jackpot B" or "jackpot C", the game is controlled to a time-saving state A in which only time-saving control is executed after the end of the jackpot game state, similar to "jackpot A", so the fluctuation pattern is determined using the fluctuation pattern determination table shown in FIG. 14. In other words, the fluctuation pattern determination table does not use a fluctuation pattern determination table according to the jackpot type, and since an irregular state may occur in the jackpot game state, a fluctuation pattern determination table linked to the state after the end of the jackpot game state is used.

In other words, in a gaming machine that can be controlled to a high probability state after the end of a favorable state (e.g., a jackpot gaming state) based on the passage of a gaming ball through a specific area (e.g., a V winning hole, etc.) in the jackpot gaming state, if a V winning occurs in the jackpot gaming state where a V winning is possible, the machine is controlled to a high probability state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, while if a V winning does not occur in the jackpot gaming state where a V winning is possible, the machine is controlled to a first time-saving state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, and if a V winning does not occur in the jackpot gaming state where a V winning is difficult, the machine is controlled to a second time-saving state after the end of the jackpot gaming state, in which the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state are a common time-saving state, and it is preferable that the variable display period of 1 in the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state is shorter than the variable display period of 1 in the time-saving state B of this embodiment.

(Fluctuation pattern without reach)
In this embodiment, the variation pattern without a reach ("shortened non-reach A, shortened non-reach B", "ultra shortened non-reach", "non-reach A, non-reach B", "non-SP A, non-SP B") is a variation pattern in which a combination of decorative symbols indicating that a reach is not established after the variable display is started and the variable display result is a "miss" or "jackpot" is stopped and displayed. "Shortened non-reach A, shortened non-reach B", "ultra shortened non-reach", "non-reach A, non-reach B", and "non-SP A, non-SP B" are collectively referred to simply as "non-reach" or "non-reach variation pattern". Incidentally, "non-SP A, non-SP B" is a non-reach variation pattern for a jackpot that is a jackpot without the establishment of a reach or SP reach.

In this embodiment, among the fluctuation patterns not involving a reach, when it is determined to be a "non-reach A" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 7000 ms, when it is determined to be a "non-SP via A" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 7000 + 15000 ms, when it is determined to be a "non-reach B" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 12000 ms, when it is determined to be a "non-SP via B" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 12000 + 15000 ms, when it is determined to be a "shortened non-reach A" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 3000 ms, when it is determined to be a "shortened non-reach B" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 5000 ms, and when it is determined to be an "ultra-shortened non-reach" fluctuation pattern, the variable display period is 1500 ms. Of these, the "super-shortened non-reach" variation pattern is a variation pattern that can only be determined in time-shortened state B, and has a shorter variable display period than any of the variation patterns determined when the game is controlled in other game states in which time-shortened control is executed (time-shortened state A, special probability state).

(Fluctuation pattern with SP reach)
In this embodiment, in a variation pattern involving an SP reach ("SP reach A,""SP reach B,""SP reach C,""SP reach D,""SP reach E"), after the reach state is established, a SP reach presentation is executed, in which an ally character and an enemy character play rock-paper-scissors to inform the player whether or not they have won a jackpot, or a battle presentation (SP reach B-E) is executed in which an ally character and an enemy character battle to inform the player whether or not they have won a jackpot, and the final display result is stopped and determined after the rock-paper-scissors presentation or battle presentation ends. Here, if the final display result is a "miss," a presentation is executed in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character (defeat presentation). On the other hand, if the final display result is a "jackpot," then a presentation is executed in which the ally character triumphs over the enemy character (victory presentation), or a presentation is executed in which the ally character is defeated by the enemy character (defeat presentation), and then a presentation is executed in which the ally character revives and defeats the enemy character (revival presentation).

A "variation pattern without a reach" is a variation pattern in which the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern does not become a specified reach state and a variable display result is displayed. This includes a variation pattern in which even if there is a reach tease such as a "reach notice" described below, the variable display result is displayed without ultimately becoming a reach state. Also, a "variation pattern with an SP reach" is a variation pattern in which the state of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a specified reach state, the reach performance develops, and the SP reach performance is executed, and then the display result is displayed.

The SP Reach jackpot variation pattern (SP Reach A to E) includes a variable display part in which a variable display of decorative symbols is executed, and a post-effect part in which the number of balls expected to be awarded in the jackpot game state is notified in a specific manner after the victory effect and revival effect of the variable display part have ended.

The variable display period of the variable display part is different for each type of SP reach A to E: 45,000 ms for SP reach A, 80,000 ms for SP reach B, 40,000 ms for SP reach C, 25,000 ms for SP reach D, and 50,000 ms for SP reach E. On the other hand, the execution period of the post-performance part is the same for SP reaches A to E: 15,000 ms. In this embodiment, the post-performance part is assigned a predetermined period of time (for example, 15,000 ms) in the variable display period, but the predetermined period may be different depending on the type of SP reach. In addition, a fanfare period during a jackpot game state may be assigned to the post-performance part.

In this embodiment, all fluctuation patterns involving a reach are SP reach fluctuation patterns, and an example is given of a form in which a normal reach fluctuation pattern is not set, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a normal reach fluctuation pattern may also be set.

(Main control command)
FIG. 16(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the contents of a main control command in this embodiment. The main control command is, for example, a two-byte configuration, with the first byte indicating MODE (command classification) and the second byte indicating EXT (command type). The first bit (bit 7) of the MODE data is always set to "1", and the first bit of the EXT data is set to "0". Note that the command format shown in FIG. 16(A) is only an example, and other command formats may be used. In this example, the control command is composed of two control signals, but the number of control signals constituting the control command may be one, or may be three or more.

In the example shown in FIG. 16(A), command 8001H is a first variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the first special symbol in the first special symbol display device 4A. Command 8002H is a second variable display start command that specifies the start of variable display in a special symbol game using the second special symbol in the second special symbol display device 4B. Command 81XXH is a variation pattern designation command that specifies the variation pattern (variation time) of the decorative symbols etc. that are variably displayed in the "left", "middle", and "right" decorative symbol display areas 5L, 5C, and 5R in the image display device 5 in response to the variable display of the special symbol in the special symbol game. Here, XXH indicates an unspecified hexadecimal number, and may be any value that is set according to the contents of the instruction by the performance control command. In addition, in the variation pattern designation command, different EXT data is set according to the specified variation pattern etc.

Command 8C00H is a variable display result specification command, which is a presentation control command that specifies a variable display result such as a special pattern or a decorative pattern. In the variable display result specification command, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(B), different EXT data is set depending on the determination result (predetermined result) of whether the variable display result is a "miss" or a "jackpot" ("miss with time reduction"), and the determination result (jackpot type determination result) of which of multiple types of jackpot type should be used if the variable display result is a "jackpot."

In the variable display result designation command, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (B), command 8C00H is a first variable display result designation command in which the variable display result is "miss". Command 8C01H is a second variable display result designation command that notifies the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "jackpot A". Command 8C02H is a third variable display result designation command that notifies the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "jackpot B". Command 8C03H is a fourth variable display result designation command that notifies the pre-determined result and the jackpot type determination result that the variable display result is "jackpot" and the jackpot type is "jackpot C".
Command 8FXXH is a pattern confirmation command which stops (confirms) the variable display of decorative patterns in each of the "left", "middle" and "right" decorative pattern display areas 5L, 5C, 5R of the image display device 5, and specifies the pattern confirmation period until the next variable display begins.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16(C), command 8F00H is a pattern determination command A that ends the variation of the special pattern and sets the pattern determination period to 0.5 seconds. Command 8F01H is a pattern determination command B that ends the variation of the special pattern and sets the pattern determination period to 20 seconds.

In this embodiment, (i) when the rescue time reduction is reached after the RAM clear process is executed, and (ii) when the rescue time reduction is reached after 900 variable displays after a jackpot, a pattern determination command with different EXT data set is transmitted in the rescue time reduction reaching variation. Specifically, (i) when the rescue time reduction is reached after the RAM clear process is executed, a pattern determination A command is transmitted in which the pattern determination period is 0.5 seconds in the rescue time reduction reaching variation. Also, (ii) when the rescue time reduction is reached after 900 variable displays after a jackpot, a pattern determination B command is transmitted in which the pattern determination period is 20 seconds in the rescue time reduction reaching variation.

Command 95XXH is a game state designation command that designates the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. In the game state designation command, for example, different EXT data is set depending on the current game state of the pachinko gaming machine 1. As a specific example, command 9500H is a first game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is not performed (low base state, normal state), and command 9501H is a second game state designation command corresponding to a game state in which time-saving control is performed (high base state, time-saving state).

Command E1XXH is a remaining time-saving count notification command that notifies the number of remaining time-saving control times in the time-saving state excluding rescue time-saving (time-saving state A). Command E2XXH is a remaining chance-change count notification command that notifies the number of remaining chance-change control times in the chance-change state.

Command F100H is a right-hit LED on notification command that notifies the right-hit LED069SG031 to light up. Command F101H is a right-hit LED off notification command that notifies the right-hit LED069SG031 to light up.

Command 91XXH is a command for specifying the number of times to shorten the time of recovery, and is a performance control command for converting the value of the time-saving counter to a hexadecimal number when the power is restored and specifying it. In the command for specifying the number of times to shorten the time of recovery, different EXT data is set according to each digit (first digit, second digit, third digit, fourth digit) of the value (four-digit value) of the time-saving counter when the power is restored, as shown in FIG. 16(D).
In the recovery time reduction count designation command, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(D), commands 9100H to 910FH are recovery time reduction count designation 1 commands that designate the first digit of the value of the recovery time reduction count. Commands 9110H to 911FH are recovery time reduction count designation 2 commands that designate the second digit of the value of the recovery time reduction count. Commands 9130H to 913FH are recovery time reduction count designation 3 commands that designate the third digit of the value of the recovery time reduction count. Commands 9140H to 914FH are recovery time reduction count designation 4 commands that designate the fourth digit of the value of the recovery time reduction count.

Command 94XXH is a rescue time reduction number designation command, which is a presentation control command that designates the remaining number of variable display times (126 times or less) until the rescue time reduction occurs. In the rescue time reduction number designation command, for example, as shown in FIG. 16(E), different EXT data is set according to the remaining number of variable display times (126 times or less) until the rescue time reduction occurs.
For example, as shown in FIG. 16(E), command 9400H is a rescue time reduction count A designation command specifying that the rescue time reduction has been reached. Command 9401H is a rescue time reduction count B designation command specifying that 1 to 125 times remain until the rescue time reduction is reached. Command 947EH is a rescue time reduction count C designation command specifying that 126 times remain until the rescue time reduction is reached. Command 947FH is a rescue time reduction count D designation command specifying that 127 or more times remain until the rescue time reduction is reached.

Command 96XXH is a rescue time reduction number 2 designation command, which is a performance control command that designates the remaining number of variable displays (in units of 100) until the rescue time reduction occurs. In the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command, for example, a value corresponding to the remaining number of variable displays (in units of 100) until the rescue time reduction occurs is set in the EXT data of the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command. For example, if the remaining number of variable displays until the rescue time reduction occurs is 100, command 9601H is sent as the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command, and if the remaining number of variable displays is 700, command 9607H is sent as the rescue time reduction number 1 designation command. Command 9F00(H) is a customer waiting demonstration display designation command that designates a customer waiting demonstration.

(Game control main processing)
17 is a flow chart showing the game control main process in this embodiment. In this example, the processes in steps S1 to S7, S8 to S9, and S10 to S12 are the same as those shown in FIG.

In this example, when a performance control command instructing recovery from a power outage is sent in step S7, the CPU 103 checks the value of a rescue time reduction counter for counting the number of variable displays remaining until the rescue time reduction occurs, sets the current rescue time reduction counter value converted to a hexadecimal number, and controls the transmission of a rescue time reduction number designation command upon recovery to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS0013).

Next, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the current value of the rescue time reduction counter and controls to send a rescue time reduction number designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS0014). For example, if the current value of the rescue time reduction counter is between 1 and 125 times, the CPU 103 controls to send command 9401H as the rescue time reduction number designation command. Therefore, in this example, if the RAM clear process is not performed when the gaming machine is turned on and the recovery process is performed, the rescue time reduction number designation command is sent and the remaining number of variable display times until the current rescue time reduction is notified.

In this example, when power is restored after a power outage, a command to specify the number of times to shorten the time for recovery and a command to specify the number of times to shorten the time for recovery are sent separately from the command at the time of recovery, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the EXT data of the command at the time of recovery (e.g., a command to specify power on) sent in step S7 may be configured to be set to a value corresponding to the number of times remaining until the time for recovery is shortened, and then sent.

In addition, when a RAM clear is requested in step S3, when there is no backup data in step S4, or when an abnormality is detected in the backup RAM in step S5, a clear process is performed on the area including the area of the rescue time reduction counter in the initialization process in step S8.

Also, when the CPU 103 transmits a presentation control command instructing initialization in step S9, it sets the rescue time reduction counter to "900" (step 069SGS0015). Therefore, in this example, if the RAM clear process is executed when the gaming machine is powered on, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900". That is, in this example, if the RAM clear process is executed when the gaming machine is powered on and a jackpot is not generated even after 900 variable displays are executed, rescue time reduction is performed and the time reduction state B is controlled. Note that, in this example, since the presentation control command instructing initialization transmitted in step S9 corresponds to the initial value ("900") set in the rescue time reduction counter, the CPU 103 can also specify the initial value to be set in the rescue time reduction counter based on the transmission of the presentation control command instructing initialization.

Next, the CPU 103 checks the value of the rescue time reduction counter (which is "900" in this example), converts the current value of the rescue time reduction counter into a hexadecimal number, sets the value, and transmits a recovery time reduction count designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS0016).

In this way, the rescue time reduction counter is set before the timer interrupt process, which is the game progress process, is executed, so that the variable display does not start before the rescue time reduction counter is set, and the number of times until the rescue time reduction can be reliably managed.

In this example, the rescue time reduction counter is initially set to "900" when the RAM clear process is executed when the gaming machine is powered on, but this is not the only option, and the rescue time reduction counter may not be initially set when the RAM clear process is executed. If configured in this way, gameplay can be started from the continuation of the value of the rescue time reduction counter from the previous day, reducing the amount of investment required to reach the rescue time reduction, and the configuration can be made so as not to be disadvantageous to the player.

In addition, when configured as described above, the system may be configured so that the initial setting of the rescue time reduction counter is not performed only when the clear switch is detected to be on (step S3; Yes) and the RAM clear process is performed, and the initial setting of the rescue time reduction counter is performed when a RAM abnormality is detected (steps S4, S5; No) and the RAM clear process is performed.

(Time-saving flag, special flag)
In this embodiment, when any of the conditions for controlling to the time-saving state is satisfied, the time-saving flag can be set. The time-saving flag includes a time-saving flag A and a time-saving flag B. In the following description, erasing (or clearing) the flag may be described as resetting the flag.
The time-saving flag A is set when the game is controlled to the time-saving state A via the jackpot A. This time-saving flag A is set when the jackpot game state of the jackpot A ends, and is erased when the time-saving state A ends (when a jackpot occurs during the time-saving state A, or when the 110 times of time-saving control end and the game is controlled to the normal state).

The time-saving flag B is set when the game is controlled to the time-saving state B controlled via the rescue time-saving. This time-saving flag B is set when 900 variable displays in which the display result is not a jackpot pattern are executed after the RAM is cleared, or when 900 variable displays in which the display result is not a jackpot pattern are executed in a low probability state after the jackpot game state ends, and is erased when the time-saving state B ends (when a jackpot is won during the time-saving state B, when the time-saving control of 1100 times ends and the game is controlled to the normal state, etc.).
The high probability flag is set when the game is controlled to the high probability state. In this embodiment, when a V is won in the first round of a jackpot game, the game state is controlled to the high probability state when the jackpot game ends, and the high probability flag is set. This high probability flag is erased when the high probability state ends (when a jackpot occurs during the high probability state, when the 110th high probability control is executed and the game is controlled to the normal state, etc.). For example, when the step 069SGS69A in FIG. 19 described later is judged to be YES, the high probability flag is erased based on the fact that the variable display has been controlled to the high probability state for the 110th time.

(Special pattern normal processing)
18 and 19 are flow charts showing the normal special symbol processing (step S110) in the special symbol process processing. In the normal special symbol processing, the CPU 103 checks the value of the total reserved memory number (step 069SGS51). Specifically, the count value of the total reserved memory number counter for counting the total number of the first reserved memory number and the second reserved memory number is checked. If the total reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 103 checks whether the second reserved memory number is 0 or not (step 069SGS52). Specifically, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the second reserved memory number counter for counting the second reserved memory number is 0 or not. If the second reserved memory number is not 0, the CPU 103 sets data indicating "second" to the special symbol pointer (a flag indicating whether the special symbol process processing is being performed for the first special symbol or the second special symbol) (step 069SGS53). If the second reserved memory count is 0 (i.e., if only the first reserved memory count is accumulated), the CPU 103 sets data indicating "first" to the special pattern pointer (step 069SGS54).

In this embodiment, the processing of steps 069SGS52 to S54 is executed, so that the variable display of the second special symbol is executed with priority over the variable display of the first special symbol. In other words, the second start condition for starting the variable display of the second special symbol is controlled to be satisfied with priority over the first start condition for starting the variable display of the first special symbol.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown in this example, and may be configured to execute the variable display of the first special symbol and the variable display of the second special symbol in the order in which the game balls enter the first start winning hole and the second start winning hole, for example.

Next, the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area in the RAM 102 corresponding to the reserved memory number=1 indicated by the special symbol pointer, and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 102 (step 069SGS55). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer corresponding to the first reserved memory number=1, and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 102. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the CPU 103 reads out each random number stored in the storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer corresponding to the second reserved memory number=1, and stores it in the random number buffer area of the RAM 102.

Then, the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the reserved memory number counter indicated by the special symbol pointer, and shifts the contents of each storage area (step 069SGS56). Specifically, when the special symbol pointer indicates "first", the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the first reserved memory number counter, and shifts the contents of each storage area in the first reserved memory number buffer. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "second", the CPU 103 subtracts one from the count value of the second reserved memory number counter, and shifts the contents of each storage area in the second reserved memory number buffer.
That is, when the special symbol pointer indicates "1st", the CPU 103 stores each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the first reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 102 in a storage area corresponding to the first reserved memory number = n-1. Also, when the special symbol pointer indicates "2nd", the CPU 103 stores each random number stored in the storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n (n = 2, 3, 4) in the second reserved memory number buffer of the RAM 102 in a storage area corresponding to the second reserved memory number = n-1.

Therefore, the order in which the random numbers stored in the respective storage areas corresponding to each first pending memory number (or each second pending memory number) are extracted always matches the order of the first pending memory number (or second pending memory number) = 1, 2, 3, 4.

Then, the CPU 103 decrements the value of the combined pending memory count by 1. That is, the count value of the combined pending memory count counter is decremented by 1 (step 069SGS57). The CPU 103 stores the value of the combined pending memory count counter before the count value is decremented by 1 in a specified area of the RAM 102.

Next, the CPU 103 reads the random number for hit determination from the random number buffer area (step 069SGS61) and executes the jackpot determination module (step 069SGS62). In this case, the CPU 103 reads the random number for hit determination extracted in the start winning determination process (step S101) and stored in advance in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer, and performs a jackpot determination. The jackpot determination module is a program that executes a process to compare a predetermined jackpot determination value with the random number for hit determination, and decides that a jackpot has occurred if they match. In other words, it is a program that executes a jackpot determination process. In this case, if the probability variable flag indicating that the jackpot state is in a probability variable state is not set (if the state is in a low probability state), the CPU 103 performs a jackpot determination using the jackpot determination value for low probability. Also, if the probability variable flag is set (if the state is in a high probability state), the CPU 103 performs a jackpot determination using the jackpot determination value for high probability. When the value of the random number for determining a win matches any of the jackpot determination values, the CPU 103 determines that the special symbol is a jackpot.

If it is determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step 069SGS63; Yes), the CPU 103 sets a jackpot flag indicating that the jackpot is a jackpot (step 069SGS64). Then, the CPU 103 determines the type of the jackpot to be the type (jackpot A, jackpot B, jackpot C) corresponding to the value that matches the value of the type determination random number stored in the random number buffer area (step 069SGS65). In this case, the CPU 103 reads out the type determination random number extracted in the start winning determination process (step S101) and stored in the first reserved memory buffer or the second reserved memory buffer in advance, and determines the type of the jackpot. Then, the process proceeds to step 069SGS70. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the jackpot is a jackpot (step 069SGS63; No), the process proceeds to step 069SGS66.
In this example, by performing the normal special pattern processing, a rescue time-saving condition (reducing the value of the rescue time-saving counter to "0") for controlling to rescue time-saving regardless of the variable display result (jackpot, miss) can occur. In this example, the time-saving state A is set based on the occurrence of a jackpot A, and the time-saving state B is set based on the occurrence of no next jackpot even after the variable display has been completed a predetermined number of times (900 times in this example), but it is assumed that the variable display result of the variable display in which the rescue time-saving condition is established will be a jackpot. Therefore, when the variable display result of the variable display in which the rescue time-saving condition is established is a jackpot, the time-saving state A is set based on the jackpot.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the time-saving counter for counting the number of times the variable display is executed during the time-saving state is 0 (step 069SGS66). If the value of the time-saving counter is not 0, the CPU 103 subtracts 1 from the value of the time-saving counter (step 069SGS67), and checks whether the value of the time-saving counter after the subtraction is 0 (step 069SGS68). If the value of the time-saving counter after the subtraction is 0, the CPU 103 sets a time-saving end flag indicating that the time-saving state will end when the variable display ends (step 069SGS69).

In this example, steps 069SGS66 to 069SGSS69 are executed to perform the subtraction process of the time-saving counter before the count process of the variable display number until the time-saving relief from step 069SGS71 onwards, but the processing is not limited to this. For example, the subtraction process of the time-saving counter may be executed after the count process of the variable display number until the time-saving relief from step 069SGS71 onwards. In this case, for example, in the case of a variable display that is a time-saving relief, if the subtraction process is executed after setting the time-saving counter to "110" (see step 069SGS172), the value of the time-saving counter will be subtracted by 1 extra, so in the case of a variable display that is a time-saving relief, the value of the time-saving counter may be added by 1 again after the subtraction process. Also, the time-saving counter may be set to "111", which is 1 more than the previous value, in advance.

Then, the CPU 103 checks whether the high probability flag is set (step 069SGS69A). If the high probability flag is set (i.e., the game is in a high probability state), the process proceeds to step 069SGS84. In this example, the process of step 069SGS69A is executed, and if the game is in a high probability state, the process of steps 069SGS70 and after (particularly the process of step 069SGSS71) is not executed. Therefore, even if a variable display is executed when the game state is in a high probability state (in this example, during Extreme Battle Rush), the value of the rescue time reduction counter is not decremented. If the high probability flag is not set (i.e., the game is not in a high probability state), the process proceeds to step 069SGSS70.

In this embodiment, when the high probability flag is set, the process proceeds to step 069SGSS70 and subsequent steps without being executed, and the process proceeds to step 069SGSS84. However, this is not limited to the above. When the high probability flag is set, the process proceeds to step 069SGSS70, but the process of step 069SGSS71 may not be executed. In other words, the value of the rescue time reduction counter is not updated, but a rescue time reduction number designation command or rescue time reduction number 2 designation command corresponding to the value of the unupdated rescue time reduction counter may be sent.

Next, the CPU 103 judges whether the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 0 (step 069SGS70; Yes). If the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 0 (step 069SGS70; Yes), the process proceeds to step 069SGS84. If the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 0 at this point, it means that the game has already been controlled to the time reduction state (time reduction state B) via the rescue time reduction (time that is controlled to the time reduction state B, or time that is controlled to the normal state after 1100 fluctuations in the time reduction state B), and a jackpot has not occurred, which is the trigger for setting the rescue time reduction counter to 900. If the value of the rescue time reduction counter is not 0 (step 069SGS70; No), the value of the rescue time reduction counter is decremented by 1 (step 069SGS71). Also, in this example, by executing the processing of step 069SGS71, the value of the rescue time reduction counter is updated uniformly regardless of whether the variable display of the first special pattern is executed or the variable display of the second special pattern is executed.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 127 or more (step 069SGS72). If the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 126 or less (step 069SGS72; No), the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the value of the rescue time reduction counter to the EXT data and controls the transmission of a rescue time reduction number designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS73). For example, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 1, the CPU 103 controls the transmission of command 9401H as the rescue time reduction number designation command. Also, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 126, the CPU 103 controls the transmission of command 947EH as the rescue time reduction number designation command.

Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 0 (step 069SGS74). If the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is not 0, the process proceeds to step 069SGS84. If the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 0, the CPU 103 sets a rescue time reduction determination flag indicating that the rescue time reduction has occurred and that control will be made to time reduction state B at the end of the fluctuation (step 069SGS75). Then, the process proceeds to step 069SGS84.

On the other hand, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter after subtraction is 127 or more (step 069SGS72; Yes), the CPU 103 sets 7FH uniformly as the EXT data and controls to transmit the command 957FH as the rescue time reduction number designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS76). Next, the CPU 103 checks whether the remaining variable display number until the rescue time reduction is a number in units of 100 (in this example, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, or 800) (step 069SGS77). Incidentally, whether the remaining variable display number until the rescue time reduction is a number in units of 100 can be determined by checking the value of the rescue time reduction counter. If the remaining variable display count until the rescue time reduction is in units of 100, the CPU 103 sets a value corresponding to the value of the rescue time reduction counter in the EXT data, and controls to transmit a rescue time reduction count 2 designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS78). For example, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 100, the CPU 103 controls to transmit a command 9601H as the rescue time reduction count 2 designation command. Also, if the value of the rescue time reduction counter is 800, the CPU 103 controls to transmit a command 9608H as the rescue time reduction count 2 designation command. Then, the process proceeds to step 069SGS84.
In this example, the game control microcomputer 100 (specifically, the CPU 103) counts the number of variable displays remaining until the rescue time reduction and transmits a rescue time reduction number designation command or a rescue time reduction number 2 designation command, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the CPU 120 for effect control may be configured to count the number of variable displays remaining until the rescue time reduction and execute the later-described teasing effect or countdown effect.
In addition, for example, if the rescue time reduction counter is set (to "900") at the time when the rescue time reduction occurs so that rescue time reductions can occur consecutively, the rescue time reduction number designation command or the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command may be sent only the first time the rescue time reduction occurs, and the rescue time reduction number designation command or the rescue time reduction number 2 designation command may not be sent the second or subsequent time the rescue time reduction occurs.

Then, the CPU 103 determines the stopping pattern of the special pattern according to the result of the determination of the jackpot type (step 069SGS84). In this case, for example, if it is determined to be a jackpot A, the stopping pattern of the special pattern is determined to be "2", if it is determined to be a jackpot B, the stopping pattern of the special pattern is determined to be "3", if it is determined to be a jackpot C, the stopping pattern of the special pattern is determined to be "7", and if it is determined to be a miss, the stopping pattern of the special pattern is determined to be "-". The CPU 103 also stores the determined stopping pattern of the special pattern in a stopping pattern storage area provided in the RAM 102 (step 069SGS85).

Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special pattern process flag to a value corresponding to the variable pattern setting process (step S111) (step 069SGS86).

(Special symbol stop processing)
20 is a flow chart showing the special symbol stop process (step S113) in the special symbol process. In the special symbol stop process, the CPU 103 first subtracts 1 from the value of the symbol determination period timer (step 069SGS131), and checks whether the value of the symbol determination period timer after subtraction is 0 (step 069SGS132).

If the value of the pattern determination period timer after subtraction is not 0 (i.e., the determined display period of the stopped pattern of the first special pattern or the second special pattern has not yet ended), the special pattern stop process is ended. If the value of the pattern determination period timer after subtraction is 0 (i.e., the determined display period of the stopped pattern of the first special pattern or the second special pattern has ended), the CPU 103 checks whether the jackpot flag is set (step 069SGS133). If the jackpot flag is set, the CPU 103 clears the probability change flag, time-saving flag A, time-saving flag B, rescue time-saving decision flag, and the time-saving count counter for counting the number of times the variable display is executed during the time-saving state (step 069SGS134).
Next, the CPU 103 sets the rescue time-saving counter to "900" (step 069SGS135). Therefore, in this example, the rescue time-saving counter is set to "900" in response to a jackpot, and if the next jackpot does not occur even after 900 variable displays are executed in the low probability state after the jackpot game ends, the rescue time-saving state is entered and the game is controlled to the time-saving state B.

In this example, by executing the processing of step 069SGS135, when a jackpot is hit, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900" at the start of the fanfare period of the jackpot to initialize it, but this is not the only possible embodiment. For example, the rescue time reduction counter may be set to "900" during a round of jackpot play, or may be configured to be initially set to "900" at the start or end of the ending period of the jackpot play.

Next, the CPU 103 performs control to start lighting the right hit lamp 069SG132 (step 069SGS136). The CPU 103 also performs control to send a right hit LED lighting notification command to the performance control CPU 120 to notify the lighting of the right hit LED 069SG031 (step 069SGS137).

Next, the CPU 103 controls the transmission of a jackpot start command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS138). Next, the CPU 103 sets a timer for time before the large prize opening to measure the time before the large prize opening (fanfare time) until the first large prize opening 069SG007A and the second large prize opening 069SG007B are controlled to be open (step 069SGS139). Then, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special symbol process flag to a value corresponding to the jackpot opening pre-processing (step S144) (step 069SGS140).

If the jackpot flag is not set (step 069SGS133; No), the CPU 103 checks whether the rescue time-shortening determination flag is set (step 069SGS170). If the rescue time-shortening determination flag is set, the CPU 103 resets the rescue time-shortening determination flag (step 069SGS171), and if it is set, sets the time-shortening flag B and controls the game to the time-shortening state (step 069SGS171A). Then, the time-shortening count counter is set to "1100" (step 069SGS172).

The CPU 103 also controls the transmission of a time-saving state B designation command to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS174). The CPU 103 also controls the start of illumination of the right hit lamp 069SG132 (step 069SGS174A), and controls the transmission of a right hit LED illumination notification command to the performance control CPU 120 notifying illumination of the right hit LED 069SG031 (step 069SGS174B). Then, the process proceeds to step 069SGS175.

In this example, when the time reduction occurs, the time reduction state is simply controlled to B, and the time reduction counter is not set, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the time reduction occurs, the time reduction state may be controlled to B, and the time reduction counter may be set (set to "900"). With such a configuration, it is possible to continuously generate the time reduction, and once the time reduction occurs, the time reduction state may be continued until a jackpot occurs.
In addition, in this example, the rescue time reduction counter is set to "900" when it is set, and the value of the rescue time reduction counter is subtracted by one each time variable display is executed, and rescue time reduction is generated based on the value of the rescue time reduction counter becoming "0", but this is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the rescue time reduction counter may be configured to be set to "0" when it is set, and to be incremented by one each time variable display is executed, and rescue time reduction is generated based on the value of the rescue time reduction counter becoming "900".

In addition, in this example, the processing of step 069SGS172 is executed to set the number of time-saving times to 1100, which is greater than the number of variable display times (900) until a rescue time-saving time is generated, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the time-saving time counter may be set to a value equal to or less than "900" in step 069SGS172.

In addition, in step 069SGS172, the time-saving counter may be configured to be able to set values corresponding to multiple types of time-saving times. For example, the time-saving counter may be configured to be set to "110" if a rescue time-saving is performed the first time, and to be set to "1100" if a rescue time-saving is performed the second time.

Also, for example, the number of time-saving times may be determined by performing a lottery process based on random numbers, and in step 069SGS172, a value corresponding to the number of time-saving times determined by the lottery process may be set in the time-saving times counter. In this case, for example, the number of time-saving times may be determined to be 110 times with a 10% probability, and 1100 times with a 90% probability. Also, when the number of time-saving times is determined by a lottery process, the number of time-saving times may be determined by using the type-determining random numbers used to determine the jackpot type and the time-saving time type, or the number of time-saving times may be determined by using a dedicated random number.

If the rescue time-saving determination flag is not set in step 069SGS170, the CPU 103 checks whether the time-saving end flag is set (step 069SGS141). If the time-saving end flag is set, the CPU 103 resets the time-saving end flag (step 069SGS142).

Next, the CPU 103 resets any of the time-saving flags that have been set (either time-saving flag A or B) and ends the time-saving state (step 069SGS145). Then, the CPU 103 performs control to end the illumination of the right-hit lamp 069SG132 (step 069SGS150). The CPU 103 also performs control to send a right-hit LED off notification command to the performance control CPU 120 to notify the right-hit LED 069SG031 that it has been turned off (step 069SGS151). The CPU 103 also performs control to send a normal state designation command (a type of game state designation command) to the performance control CPU 120 (step 069SGS152). Then, the process proceeds to step 069SGS175.

In this example, the process of steps 069SGS141 to S152 is executed to transition to the normal state at the end of the pattern determination period during the final time-saving fluctuation and to end the right-hit notification, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the system may be configured to transition to the normal state and end the right-hit notification at the start of the fluctuation or the start of the pattern determination period during the final time-saving fluctuation.

Also, if the time-saving end flag is not set in step 069SGS141 (step 069SGS141; No), the process proceeds to step 069SGS175.

In step 069SGS175, the CPU 103 updates the value of the special pattern process flag to a value corresponding to the normal special pattern processing (step S110) (step 069SGS175).

Figure 22 is a flow chart showing the variable display start setting process (step S171) in the performance control process shown in Figure 8. In the variable display start setting process, the performance control CPU 120 first determines whether the first variable display start command reception flag is on or not (step 213SGS271). If the first variable display start command reception flag is on (step 213SGS271; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "1-0" to "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory in the start winning time reception command buffer are shifted up by one buffer number at a time (step 213SGS272). Note that the contents of buffer number "1-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-1" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-2" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-3" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "1-4" of the first special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "1-3".

Also, if the first variable display start command reception flag is off in step 213SGS271 (step 213SGS271; N), it is determined whether the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 213SGS273). If the second variable display start command reception flag is off (step 213SGS273; N), the variable display start setting process is terminated, and if the second variable display start command reception flag is on (step 213SGS273; Y), the various command data and various flags stored in association with the buffer numbers "2-0" to "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory in the start winning time reception command buffer are shifted up by one buffer number at a time (step 213SGS274). Note that the contents of buffer number "2-0" cannot be shifted because there is no destination to shift to, so it is erased.

Specifically, the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-1" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-0", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-2" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-1", the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-3" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-2", and the various command data and flags stored in association with buffer number "2-4" of the second special chart reserved memory are shifted to be stored in association with buffer number "2-3".

After executing step 213SGS272 or step 213SGS274, the performance control CPU 120 reads the variation pattern designation command from the variation pattern designation command storage area (step 213SGS275).

Next, the display result (stopping pattern) of the decorative pattern is determined according to the data stored in the display result designation command storage area (i.e., the received display result designation command) and the variation pattern (step 213SGS276). In this case, the performance control CPU 120 determines the stopping pattern of the decorative pattern according to the display result designated by the display result designation command, and stores data indicating the determined stopping pattern of the decorative pattern in the decorative pattern display result storage area.

Next, the performance control CPU 120 executes a preview performance determination process (step 213SGS277) that determines whether or not to execute a preview performance in the variable display and the performance pattern of the preview performance to be executed, and a chance up performance determination process (step 213SG278) that determines whether or not to execute a chance up performance in the variable display. Then, it selects a process table according to whether or not the chance up performance is executed and the variation pattern (step 213SGS286), and starts a process timer (step 213SGS287).

In addition, in the process table, display control execution data for controlling the display of the image display device 5, lamp control execution data for controlling the lighting of each LED, sound control execution data for controlling the sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and operation unit control execution data for controlling the operation of the push button 31B and stick controller 31A are arranged in chronological order in correspondence with each process data n (numbered 1 to N).

Then, the performance control CPU 120 executes control of the performance device (image display device 5 as a performance component, various lamps as performance components, speakers 8L, 8R as performance components, and operation unit (push button 31B, stick controller 31A, etc.)) according to the contents of process data 1 (display control execution data 1, lamp control execution data 1, sound control execution data 1, operation unit control execution data 1) (step 213SGS288). For example, to display an image corresponding to a fluctuation pattern on the image display device 5, it outputs a command to the display control unit 123. It also outputs a control signal (lamp control execution data) to the lamp control board 14 to control the lighting/extinguishing of various lamps. It also outputs a control signal (sound number data) to the sound control board 13 to output sound from the speakers 8L, 8R.

Then, the variable display time timer is set to a value corresponding to the variable display time specified by the variation pattern designation command (step 213SGS289). A predetermined time is also set to the variable display control timer (step 213SGS290). The predetermined time is, for example, 30 ms, and the performance control CPU 120 writes image data indicating the display state of the left, center, and right decorative patterns to the VRAM every time the predetermined time elapses, the display control unit 123 outputs a signal corresponding to the image data written to the VRAM to the image display device 5, and the image display device 5 displays an image corresponding to the signal, thereby realizing the variable display (variation) of the decorative patterns. Next, the value of the performance control process flag is updated to a value corresponding to the variable display in progress performance process (step S172), and the variable display start setting process is terminated (step 213SGS291).

Figure 23 is a flowchart of the preview performance determination process shown in Figure 22. In the preview performance determination process, the performance control CPU 120 first identifies the variable display result and the fluctuation pattern (step 213SG301). Then, it is determined whether the identified fluctuation pattern is any of the shortened non-reach fluctuation patterns (PA1-2, PA1-3, PA1-4) (step 213SGS302). If the identified fluctuation pattern is any of the shortened non-reach fluctuation patterns (PA1-2, PA1-3, PA1-4) (step 213SGS302; Y), the preview performance determination process is terminated, and if the identified fluctuation pattern is not any of the shortened non-reach fluctuation patterns (step 213SGS302; N), the presence or absence of the preview performance and the performance pattern are determined based on the identified variable display result and fluctuation pattern (step 213SGS303).

The performance control CPU 120 judges whether or not it has been decided in step 213SGS303 to execute a preview performance (step 213SGS304). If it has been decided in step 213SGS303 not to execute a preview performance (step 213SGS304; N), the preview performance decision process is terminated. If it has been decided in step 213SGS303 to execute a preview performance (step 213SGS304; Y), the decided performance pattern is stored (step 213SGS305), a preview performance start waiting timer is set, and the preview performance decision process is terminated (step 213SGS306).

Figure 24 is a flowchart of the chance-up effect determination process shown in Figure 22. Note that the chance-up effect in this case is an effect in which the display mode of the lines S and L displayed during the reach effect of the story reach or battle reach changes to red or a corresponding color.

In this embodiment, the dialogue S refers to the text displayed at the bottom of the screen, such as SKY001 in FIG. 28 (1-11) or SKY006 in FIG. 34 (2-11). The dialogue L refers to the text displayed in the center of the screen, which is larger than the dialogue S, such as SKY007 in FIG. 34 (2-15).

In the chance-up effect determination process, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether the variable display fluctuation pattern is an SP reach fluctuation pattern (step 213 SGS311). If the variable display fluctuation pattern is a non-reach or normal reach fluctuation pattern (step 213 SGS311; N), the chance-up effect determination process ends, and if the variable display fluctuation pattern is an SP reach fluctuation pattern (step 213 SGS311; Y), it determines whether the variable display fluctuation pattern is an SP reach A fluctuation pattern (step 213 SGS312).

If the change pattern of the variable display is that of SP Reach A (step 213 SGS 312; Y), the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute a chance-up performance based on the change pattern of the SP Reach A and the variable display result. If the chance-up performance is not to be executed in the SP Reach A (step 213 SGS 313; N), the chance-up performance determination process ends.

When executing a chance up effect in SP Reach A (step 213 SGS313; Y), it is decided whether to execute the chance up effect of the line S (step 213 SGS314). After that, the display mode of the chance up effect of the line S is decided based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach A and the result of the variable display (step 213 SGS315). There are two display modes: white and red, and the percentage at which the chance up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26. After that, the chance up effect decision process ends.

Next, if the change pattern of the variable display is not the change pattern of SP Reach A (step 213 SGS312; N), it is determined whether the change pattern of the variable display is the change pattern of SP Reach B (step 213 SGS316).

If the change pattern of the variable display is that of SP Reach B (step 213 SGS 316; Y), the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute a chance-up performance based on the change pattern of the SP Reach B and the variable display result. If the chance-up performance is not to be executed in the SP Reach B (step 213 SGS 317; N), the chance-up performance determination process ends.

When executing a chance up effect in SP reach B (step 213SGS317; Y), first it is determined whether or not to execute a chance up effect for line S (step 213SGS318). When not executing a chance up effect for line S in SP reach B (step 213SGS318; N), it is determined whether or not to execute a chance up effect for line L (step 213SGS320). When executing a chance up effect for line S in SP reach B (step 213SGS318; Y), the display mode of the chance up effect for line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP reach B and the results of the variable display (step 213SGS319). There are two display modes: white and red, and the percentage at which the chance up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26.

If the chance up performance of the line S is not executed in the SP reach B (step 213 SGS317; N), the display mode of the chance up performance of the line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP reach B and the result of the variable display (step 213 SGS319), and then whether or not to execute the chance up performance of the line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP reach B and the result of the variable display. If the chance up performance of the line L is not executed in the SP reach B (step 213 SGS320; N), the chance up performance determination process is terminated.

When executing the chance up effect of the line L in SP Reach B (step 213 SGS320; Y), the display mode of the chance up effect of the line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of SP Reach B and the result of the variable display (step 213 SGS321). There are two display modes: white and red, and the percentage at which the chance up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26. Thereafter, the chance up effect determination process ends.

Next, if the change pattern of the variable display is not the change pattern of SP Reach B (step 213SGS316; N), it is determined whether or not the change pattern of the variable display is the change pattern of SP Reach C (step 213SGS322). If the change pattern of the variable display is the change pattern of SP Reach C (step 213SGS322; Y), the performance control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute a chance-up performance based on the change pattern of the SP Reach C and the variable display result. If a chance-up performance is not to be executed in the SP Reach C (step 213SGS322; N), the chance-up performance determination process ends.

When executing a chance up effect in SP Reach C (step 213SGS322; Y), first, it is determined whether or not to execute the chance up effect of the line S (step 213SGS323). When not executing a chance up effect of the line S in SP Reach B (step 213SGS323; N), it is determined whether or not to execute the chance up effect of the line L (step 213SGS324).
When executing the chance-up effect of the line S in the SP reach C (step 213SGS323; Y), the display mode of the chance-up effect of the line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP reach C and the result of the variable display (step 213SGS324). The display mode can be white or red, and the ratio at which the chance-up effect is executed is described in Figs. 25 and 26.

If the chance up performance of the line S is not executed in the SP reach C (step 213SGS323; N), the display mode of the chance up performance of the line S is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP reach B and the result of the variable display (step 213SGS324), and then whether or not to execute the chance up performance of the line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP reach B and the result of the variable display. If the chance up performance of the line L is not executed in the SP reach C (step 213SGS325; N), the chance up performance determination process is terminated.

When executing a chance-up effect of the line L in the SP reach C (step 213 SGS325; Y), the display mode of the chance-up effect of the line L is determined based on the fluctuation pattern of the SP reach C and the result of the variable display (step 213 SGS326). There are two display modes: white and red, and the percentage at which the chance-up effect is executed is described in Figures 25 and 26. Thereafter, the chance-up effect determination process ends.

Next, the timing and ratio of the chance up effects in Figures 25 and 26 will be explained. The chance up display modes include white and red, which are common to both line S and line L, and a corresponding color that can only be displayed for line L. In this way, by using a common chance up display mode, it is possible to clearly communicate that a chance up effect has been executed, and by having a display mode that can only display line L, attention can be drawn to the chance up effect of line L.

Figure 25 illustrates the execution rate of the chance-up effect in each reach. In this embodiment, the execution rate of the chance-up effect of the line S displayed in the battle reach is such that, in the case of a jackpot, line S is displayed in white 20% of the time, and line S is displayed in red 80% of the time. In the case of a miss, line S is displayed in white 80% of the time, and line S is displayed in red 20% of the time.

In this embodiment, the execution rate of the chance-up effect of the line S displayed in Story Reach A and Story Reach B is the same for both, and in the case of a jackpot, there is a 60% chance that the line S will be displayed in white, and a 40% chance that the line S will be displayed in red. In the case of a miss, there is an 80% chance that the line S will be displayed in white, and a 20% chance that the line S will be displayed in red.

In this embodiment, the execution rate of the chance-up effect of the line L displayed in Story Reach A and Story Reach B is the same for both, and in the event of a jackpot, there is a 5% chance that the line L is displayed in white, a 45% chance that the line L is displayed in red, and a 50% chance that the line L is displayed in the corresponding color. In the event of a miss, there is an 80% chance that the line L is displayed in white, a 15% chance that the line L is displayed in red, and a 5% chance that the line L is displayed in the corresponding color.

The probability of winning related to the display mode of the lines is designed to increase in the order of corresponding color > red > white. Also, the probability of winning when the chance-up effects of lines S and L are executed is designed to increase in the order of line L > line S. As a result, when comparing the probability of winning when line S is displayed in red and the probability of winning when line L is displayed in red, the probability of winning is higher when line L is displayed in red.

As will be described later, the display areas for the lines S and L are different, and by changing the size of the displayed characters and the rate of change in the display mode, it is possible to draw attention to the characters displayed in each display area. Also, as will be described later, the corresponding color is a color that corresponds to the character, and as shown in FIG. 49, the corresponding color for Mumu (second ally character) is green, the corresponding color for Jam (first ally character) is purple, and the corresponding color for Nana (third ally character) is blue, and the color with the highest expectation of a jackpot among the display modes of the lines is the corresponding color. By designing in this way, not only can it be possible to overturn the color expectation of red>purple>green>blue>white, which is the concept of gaming machines, but it is also possible to expect that the lines will be displayed in a corresponding color that corresponds to the character rather than red, and to focus on the color and character of the character. Also, even with the same display mode, it is possible to focus on the lines S and L by making the expectation of a jackpot higher for line L than for line S.

Next, the timing of the chance-up effect in FIG. 26 will be described. The chance-up effect of the line S can be executed during a battle reach or a story reach. In this embodiment, the execution timing of the chance-up effect of the line S is a first timing, a second timing, and a third timing. When the line S is displayed in white (the line (white) in FIG. 25 is determined), the display mode does not change at any timing, and the line S is displayed in the first pattern (white) that remains in the white display mode. When the line S is displayed in red (the line (red) in FIG. 25 is determined), the line S is displayed in the second pattern (red) that changes with a 50% probability at the first timing and with a 100% probability at the second timing. In this way, when the display mode of the character display changes, it is designed to always change at the timing when it changes last (the second timing).

The chance-up effect of the line L can be executed during story reach A or story reach B. In this embodiment, the execution timing of the chance-up effect of the line L is the first timing, the second timing, and the third timing. When the line L is displayed in white (line L (white) in Figure 25 is determined), the display mode does not change at any of the timings, and the line L is displayed in the first pattern (white) in the white display mode. When the line L is displayed in red (line (red) in Figure 25 is determined), there is a 20% probability that it will change to red at the first timing, and a 30% probability that it will change to red at the second timing. When dialogue L is displayed in the corresponding color (the dialogue (corresponding color) in FIG. 25 is determined), dialogue L is displayed in the third pattern (corresponding color) in which dialogue L changes to red with a 30% probability at the first timing and changes to the corresponding color with a 10% probability at the second timing, dialogue L changes to red with a 60% probability at the second timing and changes to the corresponding color with a 10% probability at the third timing, and changes to the corresponding color with a 100% probability at the third timing.

In this way, the display mode of the lines is designed to always change to the pre-determined display mode at the final timing (second timing or third timing). Furthermore, the rate of change varies depending on the timing of the change. This allows you to pay even more attention to the timing of chance up. Furthermore, it is designed so that the third pattern (corresponding color), in which the lines L take on a display mode of the corresponding color due to the chance up effect, has a higher probability of changing to the red display mode at the first and second timings than the second pattern (red), in which the lines L take on a display mode of the corresponding color due to the chance up effect. Designing it in this way increases the likelihood that the display mode will become the corresponding color, and it can be expected that it will change to the corresponding color.

(Details of Battle Reach, Figures 27 to 32)
27 to 32 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of the development notice performance and the battle reach. In the examples shown in Fig. 27 to 32, after a losing symbol ("327") is displayed as the display result of the previous variable display on the image display device 5 (Fig. 27(1-1)), the variable display starts (Fig. 27(1-2)).

Next, when the left and right decorative symbols reach a "2" (1-3), a normal reach effect is executed in which the center decorative symbol scrolls at a slow speed, and then the image display device 5 goes white and the development preview effect begins (1-4). In the development preview effect, first the first ally character 004IWC01 appears (1-4), followed by a display in which the second ally character 004IWC02 appears (1-5). Next, a display is displayed in which the word "Development" is displayed superimposed on the first ally character 004IWC01 and the second ally character 004IWC02 (1-6). Next, the first mini-character 004IWC03 is displayed to grow (1-7) superimposed on the first ally character 004IWC01, the second ally character 004IWC02, and the word "Development", and eventually an effect display is performed in which the grown first mini-characters 004IWC03 fill the screen (1-8). After that, when the battle reach begins, the grown first mini-characters 004IWC03 gradually disappear (FIG. 28 (1-9)), and eventually an effect display is performed in which all the first mini-characters 004IWC03 disappear (1-10). This configuration reduces the awkwardness felt when switching from the development preview effect image to the battle reach image, and makes the sequence from the development preview effect to the battle reach look natural.

Next, an effect is displayed in which the second ally character 004IWC02 lands on the ground, and at the same time as this effect is displayed, the words S (SKY001) are displayed in a white display mode (1-11), and the upper body of the second ally character 004IWC02 is enlarged and a background image containing multiple stars corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 and the words S (SKY001) are displayed superimposed thereon (1-12). Next, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11 face off, and the word "VS" is displayed to indicate that a battle is about to begin (1-13). Next, an effect is displayed in which the second enemy character 004IWC11 attacks the second ally character 004IWC02 (specifically, by emitting a beam of light from its fingertips), and the words S (SKY001) are displayed (1-14). At this time, the second ally character 004IWC02 is in a state of blocking the attack by using the middle decoration pattern "9" (or a pattern image corresponding to the middle decoration pattern "9") as a shield (1-14). Furthermore, the middle decoration pattern "9" displayed at this time is displayed larger than the dialogue S (SKY001). By doing so, the effect can be seen with more attention. Next, an effect is displayed in which an attack from the second enemy character 004IWC11 to the second ally character 004IWC02 (specifically, a ray of light output from the fingertip) destroys the middle decoration pattern "9" that was the shield. At this time, the middle decoration pattern "9" is in a destroyed state (1-15). Then, the second ally character 004IWC02 is enlarged and a background image including a plurality of stars corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed (1-16). Next, the second ally character 004IWC02 starts attacking the second enemy character 004IWC11 (specifically, punching) in an effect display (FIG. 29 (1-17)). Then, the opposing second enemy character 004IWC11 is displayed from the front (1-18), and an effect display is performed in which a middle decoration pattern "1" and a line S (SKY001) appear in front of the second enemy character 004IWC11 (1-19). The middle decoration pattern "1" displayed at this time is displayed larger than the line S (SKY001). By doing so, the effect can be viewed with more attention. Then, this middle decoration pattern "1" becomes a shield that prevents attacks from the second ally character 004IWC02 against the second enemy character 004IWC11. That is, the second ally character 004IWC02 attacks (specifically punches) the middle decoration symbol "1" in an effect display (1-20). When the attack by the second ally character 004IWC02 reaches the middle decoration symbol "1" (specifically hits it with a fist), the middle decoration symbol "1" becomes cracked (1-20) and further becomes cracked (1-21). The line S (SKY001) displayed at this time is the second ally character 004IWC02, and the line uttered by the character related to the big win (the second ally character 004IWC02) is the line S (SKY001) displayed last. By doing so, the player can watch the effect while looking forward to the character related to the big win, which increases the interest in the game. As shown in (1-21), when the central decorative pattern "1" becomes cracked, the effect image displayed just before is displayed with reduced brightness and saturation, and the cut-in effect SKY002 in which the second ally character 004IWC02 and an image of multiple stars (normal or high brightness and saturation) are superimposed and the character display SKY003 is displayed along with the cut-in effect (1-22). The character display SKY003 is a character display larger than the dialogue S and has a different font, and by making it larger than the dialogue S, the cut-in effect SKY002 and the character display SKY003 can be noticed. Then, when the image displayed by the cut-in effect is erased, the same effect display as that just before the cut-in effect (1-21) is performed again (1-23). At this time, a slow-motion effect is executed in which the progress speed of the effect is changed from the normal speed to a speed slower than the normal speed. Specifically, the performance display is performed to slow down the movement speed of the fragment image 004IWG01a of the middle decoration pattern displayed in stereoscopic vision and the character. Note that while the movement speed of the fragment image 004IWG01a of the middle decoration pattern and the character is slowed down by the slow motion performance, the swinging movement speed of the decoration pattern in the reach mode displayed in the upper right corner of the screen and the movement speed (rotation, etc.) of the active display are not slowed down (i.e., they are not subject to the action of the slow motion performance). This slow motion performance corresponds to the final hype part of the battle reach, and by slowing down the progress speed of the performance, it is possible to focus on how the performance progresses, i.e., whether it progresses to a performance that notifies a big win. After that, the enlarged button display SKY009 is displayed in the screen area, and the moment the enlarged button display SKY009 shrinks to a specified size as shown in (1-23), a gauge indicating the validity period of the button display SKY009 is displayed, and the win/lose effect is executed when the push button 31B is pressed or when the validity period of the button display SKY009 has elapsed for a certain period (for example, 5 seconds). In this way, not only is it easier to understand the timing when the win/lose effect will be executed, but the button promotion effect can also increase interest in the game.

If the Battle Reach is a jackpot, after (1-23), the movable body SKY004 moves to notify the player of the jackpot, and a background image of a radial pattern is displayed on the screen (Fig. 30 (1-24)). In this embodiment, light emission control begins in which the decorative light emitter emits rainbow colors from the scenes shown in Fig. 8-30 (1-24) to (1-26).

After that, an attack from the second ally character 004IWC02 to the second enemy character 004IWC11 becomes effective, and an effect display is performed in which the middle decorative pattern "1" that was acting as a shield is destroyed (1-27). Also, the second enemy character 004IWC11 that received the attack is blown away, and an effect display is performed in which the line S (SKY001) is displayed in a rainbow-colored display mode. In this example, light emission control in which the decorative light emitter emits light in rainbow colors is started from the scene shown in (1-24). For example, in the scenes shown in (1-24) and (1-30), the decorative light emitter blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors at high speed, and in the scenes shown in (1-25) to (1-29) and (1-31) to (1-34), the decorative light emitter emits light slowly in rainbow colors. Next, the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed rejoicing (1-28). Next, a light effect image is displayed (1-29) superimposed on the previous effect display (1-28) including the second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11, and the light effect image is enlarged to cover the second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11 (1-30). At this time, the light effect image is opaque, so the covered second ally character 004IWC02 and the second enemy character 004IWC11 cannot be seen.

Then, after the light effect image covers the entire screen, a special effect display is performed in which the jackpot pattern "222" including the center decoration pattern "2" displayed in the normal mode appears (1-31). The jackpot pattern "222" is gradually enlarged (FIG. 8-31 (1-32)) until it covers the entire screen (1-33). After that, the jackpot pattern "222" is displayed in the same size as when the normal fluctuation before the reach is established (1-34). Next, the jackpot pattern "222" is temporarily hidden and the character display "Completely settled" is displayed (1-35). Then, the image display device 5 goes white and the battle reach ends, and the background image similar to when the normal fluctuation before the reach is established is displayed and the jackpot pattern "222" is temporarily stopped (1-36). After that, the jackpot pattern "222" is stopped (1-37).

If the battle reach is a miss, after (1-23), the attack from the second ally character 004IWC02 to the second enemy character 004IWC11 is not effective, and the middle decoration pattern "1" that was acting as a shield changes from the cracked state to the normal state again without being destroyed.
The phrase S (SKY001) is displayed in a white display mode (1-38). In this example, the light emission control in which the decorative light emitter emits low-luminance white light from the scene shown in (1-38) is started. Next, the second enemy character 004IWC11 with both hands raised diagonally and the phrase S (SKY001) are displayed (1-39), and further, the middle decoration pattern "3" is displayed superimposed on the second enemy character 004IWC11 (1-40). Then, after the middle decoration pattern "3" which is a losing combination is displayed as if it is swaying, the image display device 5 goes black (1-41), and the battle reach ends. When the battle reach ends, the same background image as when the normal variation before the reach was established is displayed, and the losing pattern "232" is temporarily displayed (1-42). After that, the losing pattern "232" is displayed in a stopped state (1-43).

(Details of Story Reach A, Figures 33 to 40)
Figures 33 to 40 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of development notice presentations and story reach A. Figures 33 (2-1) to (2-8) have the same presentation as Figures 27 (1-1) to (1-8).

In (2-9), the first mini-characters 004IWC03 that multiplied in (2-8) gradually disappear (2-9), and eventually, a display is made in which all of the first mini-characters 004IWC03 have disappeared, and the title of Story Reach A is displayed (2-10). This configuration reduces the awkwardness felt when switching from the development preview performance image to the Story Reach A image, and makes the series of events from the development preview performance to Story Reach A appear natural.

After the title of Story Reach A is displayed as in (2-10), the performance of Story Reach A begins. From (2-9) to (2-36) and (2-49) to (2-52), a black display area image SKY005 is displayed at the edge of the screen due to the performance of Story Reach A, and as in (2-11), a line S (SKY006) is displayed superimposed on the display area image SKY005. The display area image SKY005 does not display anything other than the image before the display area image SKY005 is displayed (for example, 004IWC03), the line S (SKY006), the constant small pattern (for example, ↓↓↓ in (2-9)), and the reach pattern (for example, 2↓2 in (2-9)). The shape of the display area image SKY005 is a black rectangle, and it is possible to execute a movie-like performance. This display method makes it possible to emphasize the dialogue S (SKY006) on the display area image SKY005, while making the dialogue S (SKY006) easier to see than in the case of a battle reach and clearly distinguishing it from a battle reach, thereby providing a gaming machine that the player will not tire of. Furthermore, because the display method differs from battle reaches and other notices, it is possible to recognize at a glance that this is a performance that can be expected to lead to a big win. After the title of Story Reach A is displayed, a performance in which the second ally character 004IWC02 walks down the road is displayed in the center of the screen, and the dialogue S (SKY006) of the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed in accordance with the performance (2-11) to (2-14). Next, in the center of the screen, a line L (SKY007) larger than the line S (SKY006), an effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a white display mode (2-15). At this time, the decorative illuminant also emits light in a white mode (color). The content of the line L (SKY007) is displayed in relation to the line S (SKY006), and a part of the line of the story reach A is displayed as the line L (SKY007). In this way, by displaying a part of the line in a large size, it is possible to leave an impression on the line displayed in a large size, and interest in the game is increased. Also, by displaying related characters, it is possible to leave an impression on the line L (SKY007) while smoothly executing the performance. Moreover, the font size of each character of the dialogue S (SKY006) is uniform, and the display position and the direction in which the characters are written are also uniform, but the font size of the dialogue L (SKY007) is not uniform, and the characters that are keywords (for example, "lunch") are displayed large. Furthermore, there is also the display of the dialogue L (SKY007) with the characters in a different direction as in (2-17). By doing so, it is possible to focus more attention on the dialogue L (SKY007) than on the dialogue S (SKY006). Furthermore, the dialogue L (SKY007) is displayed while moving. This moving display is performed at a speed at which the dialogue L (SKY007) can be recognized by the player, and the dialogue L (SKY007) moves outside the screen area due to the moving display, but only a part of it moves outside the screen area, and the scene switches to the next scene (2-16) before the dialogue L (SKY007) is completely no longer displayed. By doing so, the player can pay more attention to the line L (SKY007) than to a still image. Also, the display of the line L (SKY007) is determined, and in this embodiment, the line L (SKY007) is displayed only when the lines are (2-15), (2-17), or (2-19). After (2-15), the first ally character 004IWC01 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (2-16), and after the first ally character 004IWC01 finishes saying the line S (SKY006) in the center of the screen, the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode (2-17). At this time, the decorative light emitter also emits light in a red mode (color). When it is displayed in a red display mode, a specific sound 1 is output to make the player recognize that a chance up has occurred. In (2-17), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode, but this is the chance up effect described above, and means that the chance up has changed from white to red. Since it is displayed in red from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red. After that, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (2-18), and after the second ally character 004IWC02 finishes saying the line S (SKY006), the line L (SKY007) and the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode (2-19). After that, the second ally character 004IWC02 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen, and the images of the second ally character 004IWC02 and the previously displayed line L (SKY007) ((2-15), (2-17), (2-19)) are alternately displayed from (2-20) (2-21), (2-22) to (2-34). By designing in this way, not only is the association between the second ally character 004IWC02 and the line L (SKY007) strengthened, but it is also possible to leave an impression and increase interest in the game. At this time, the image of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed while quickly shaking up and down and left and right. Furthermore, the image of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed in the same display mode as the display mode displayed the first time. By doing this, the re-displayed line L (SKY007) can be impressed, while allowing the user to recognize that it is a re-displayed display. At this time, the decorative illuminant does not emit light in a manner (color) related to the display manner of the first-displayed line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen, and the performance is executed while the white lamp flashes at high speed. Furthermore, the sound that was output when the chance was up is not output, and instead, it is designed to output a short specific sound 2 every time the screen is switched. After that, the button display SKY009 is enlarged and displayed in the screen area (2-35). At this time, the display area image SKY005 is erased and displayed. By doing this, the button display can be focused on. Then, the moment the enlarged button display SKY009 shrinks to a specified size as shown in (2-36), a gauge indicating the validity period of the button display SKY009 and the display area image SKY005 are displayed, and the win/lose effect is executed when the push button 31B is pressed or when the validity period of the button display SKY009 has elapsed for a certain period (for example, 5 seconds). By doing this, not only is it easier to understand the timing when the win/lose effect will be executed, but the button promotion effect can also increase interest in the game.

If Story Reach A is a jackpot, after (2-36), the movable body SKY004 falls and a background image with a radiating pattern is displayed on the screen (2-37). In this embodiment, the movable body SKY004 moves while the illumination control that causes the decorative illuminator to emit rainbow colors starts from the scenes shown in (2-37) to (2-39). The epilogue performance from (2-37) to (2-39) is the same epilogue performance as the battle reach and Story Reach B described below. From this point, the display area image SKY005 is designed to be erased. By doing this, the jackpot can be celebrated on the full screen.

After that, a display is performed in which the first ally character 004IWC01 talks to the second ally character 004IWC02, while the dialogue S (SKY006) is displayed in a rainbow display mode (2-40) to (2-42). In this example, light emission control in which the decorative light emitter emits rainbow colors is started from the scene shown in (2-37). For example, in the scenes shown in (2-37) and (2-43), the decorative light emitter rapidly blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors, and in the scenes shown in (2-38) to (1-42) and (2-44) to (2-46), the decorative light emitter slowly emits rainbow colors. When the dialogue S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (2-42), the background image becomes difficult to recognize, as shown in (2-43), and a display is performed in which the jackpot symbol "222" appears from the center of the screen (2-43). The jackpot symbol "222" is then gradually enlarged (2-44) until it covers the entire screen (2-45). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is displayed at the same size as when the normal fluctuations occurred before the reach was established (2-46). Then, the image display device 5 goes white and Story Reach A ends, and the same background image as when the normal fluctuations occurred before the reach was established is displayed, along with the jackpot symbol "222" being temporarily stopped (2-47). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is displayed as a stopped symbol (2-48).

If Story Reach A is a miss, after (2-36), a performance is displayed in which the first ally character 004IWC01 talks to the second ally character 004IWC02, while the dialogue S (SKY006) is displayed in a white display mode superimposed on the display area image SKY005 (2-49) to (2-50). In this example, light emission control is started in which the decorative light emitter emits low-luminance white light from the scene shown in (2-49). Next, when the dialogue S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (2-50), the background image becomes difficult to recognize as in (2-43), and a performance display is performed in which the pattern "212" appears from the center of the screen in a transparent state (2-51). The transparency decreases from the transparent state, and the miss pattern can be clearly recognized (2-52). After that, the screen goes black, and Story Reach A ends. When Story Reach A ends, the same background image as when the normal fluctuation occurred before the reach was established is displayed, and the losing symbol "212" is temporarily displayed (2-53). After that, the losing symbol "212" is displayed (2-54).

In this embodiment, the shape of the display area image SKY005 is rectangular, but it may be any shape, such as jagged or circular, and the color does not have to be black. In addition, the way the chance-up effect is displayed is red from the beginning, so it is not possible to see the change from white to red, but it is also possible to display the line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen while showing the change from white to red to the player. In addition, when the result is announced, the background image is displayed in a state that is difficult to recognize (3-43), but by doing so, the pattern is emphasized, making it easier for the player to recognize whether it is a big hit or a miss. In addition, the display area image SKY005 is not displayed except for the image before the display area image SKY005 is displayed (for example, 004IWC03), the dialogue S (SKY006), the constant small symbol (for example, (2-9) ↓↓↓), and the reach symbol (for example, (2-9) 2↓2), but it is not limited to this, and an active display may be displayed. By doing so, it is possible to see the story reach performance while watching the display mode of the active display, and it is possible to predict whether it will be controlled to a jackpot. Furthermore, the display mode of the active display may be changed during the story reach performance, and when changing the display mode, the display mode may be changed from outside the display area image SKY005, or from within the display area image SKY005. By doing so, it is possible to focus on the display mode of the active display and the display area image SKY005 image, and the interest in the game is increased.

(Details of Story Reach B, Figures 41 to 48)
Figures 41 to 48 are explanatory diagrams showing specific examples of development notice presentations and story reach A. Figures 41 (3-1) to (3-8) have the same presentation as Figures 27 (1-1) to (1-8).

In (3-9), the first mini-characters 004IWC03 that multiplied in (3-8) gradually disappear (3-9), and eventually a display is executed in which all of the first mini-characters 004IWC03 have disappeared, and the title of Story Reach B is displayed (3-10). This configuration reduces the awkwardness felt when switching from the development preview performance image to the Story Reach B image, and makes the series of events from the development preview performance to Story Reach B appear natural.

After the title of Story Reach B is displayed as in (3-10), the presentation of Story Reach B begins. From (3-9) to (3-35) and (3-49) to (3-52), the presentation of Story Reach B displays display area image SKY005 at the edge of the screen, creating an area in which line S (SKY006) is displayed superimposed as in (3-11). Display area image SKY005 does not display anything other than line S (SKY006). Displaying display area image SKY005 not only emphasizes line S (SKY006) but also makes line S (SKY006) easier to see than the battle reach, drawing attention to line S (SKY006) and giving the user the feeling that they are watching a movie. After the title of Story Reach B is displayed, the third ally character SKY010 and many other character displays are displayed in the center of the screen, surrounding the third ally character SKY010, and the third ally character SKY006's lines are displayed in accordance with the effects (3-11) to (3-13). Next, the line L (SKY007) larger than the line S (SKY006), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a white display mode (3-14). At this time, the decorative light emitter is also emitting light in a white mode (color). The content of the line L (SKY007) is displayed in relation to the line S (SKY006), and part of the line of Story Reach B is displayed as the line L (SKY007). Moreover, the font size of each character of the dialogue S (SKY006) is uniform, and the direction in which the characters are written is also uniform, but the font size of the dialogue L (SKY007) is not uniform, and the characters that are keywords are displayed large. Furthermore, there is also the display of the dialogue L (SKY007) with the characters in a different direction, as in (3-16). By doing so, it is possible to focus on the dialogue L (SKY007) rather than the dialogue S (SKY006). Furthermore, the dialogue L (SKY007) is displayed while moving. This moving display is performed at a speed that allows the player to recognize the dialogue L (SKY007), and the dialogue L (SKY007) moves outside the screen area due to the moving display, but only a part of it moves outside the screen area, and the scene switches to the next scene (3-15) before the dialogue L (SKY007) is completely no longer displayed. By doing so, the player can pay more attention to the line L (SKY007) than the still image. In addition, the display of some of the lines L (SKY007) is determined, and in this embodiment, the line L (SKY007) is displayed only when the lines are (3-14), (3-16), and (3-18). After (3-14), the fourth ally character SKY011 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (3-15), and after the fourth ally character SKY011 finishes saying the line S (SKY006), the line L (SKY007) and the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007) and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode (3-16). At this time, the decorative light-emitting body also emits light in a red mode (color). When displayed in a red display mode, a specific sound 1 is output to make the player recognize that a chance up has occurred. In (3-16), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode, but this is the chance-up effect described above, and means that the chance has increased from white to red. Since the display is red from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red. After that, the third ally character SKY010 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen (2-18), and after the third ally character SKY010 finishes saying the line S (SKY006), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a display mode of the corresponding color (3-18). At this time, the decorative illuminant is also emitting light in a mode (color) of the corresponding color. When the corresponding color display mode is displayed, a specific sound 3 different from that when the red display mode is displayed is output to make the player recognize that a chance up has occurred. (3-18) uses a color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010, and the corresponding color of the third ally character SKY010 is blue. Furthermore, when the line L (SKY007) is displayed in the corresponding color, the image of the third ally character SKY010 is also designed to be displayed together. By doing so, it is easy to understand that it is a corresponding color, and it is more lively than other display modes, and the interest in the game is increased. In (3-18), the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color display mode, but this is the chance up performance described above, and means that the chance up has changed from red to the corresponding color. Since the display is in the corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from red to the corresponding color. After that, the third ally character SKY010 and the line S (SKY006) are displayed in the center of the screen, and the images of the third ally character SKY010 and the previously displayed line L (SKY007) ((3-14), (3-16), (3-18)) are alternately displayed from (3-19) (3-20), (3-21) to (3-33). By designing in this way, not only is the association between the third ally character SKY010 and the line L (SKY007) strengthened, but it is also possible to leave an impression and increase the interest in the game. At this time, the image of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed while quickly shaking up and down and left and right. Furthermore, the image of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again is displayed in the same display mode as the display mode displayed the first time. By doing this, it is possible to leave an impression of the line L (SKY007) that is displayed again, while allowing the player to recognize that it is a display that has been displayed again. At this time, the decorative light source does not emit light in a manner (color) related to the display manner of the first displayed line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen, and the performance is executed while the white lamp flashes at high speed. Furthermore, the sound that was output during the chance up is not output, and instead, it is designed to output a short specific sound 2 every time the screen changes. After that, the button display SKY009 is enlarged and displayed in the screen area (3-34). The moment the enlarged button display SKY009 is reduced and reaches a specified size as shown in (3-35), a gauge indicating the valid period of the button display SKY009 and the display area image SKY005 are displayed, and the win/lose performance is executed when the push button 31B is pressed or when the valid period of the button display SKY009 has passed for a certain period (for example, 5 seconds). By doing so, not only is it easier to understand the timing of the execution of the win/lose performance, but the button promotion performance can also increase the interest in the game.

If Story Reach B is a jackpot, after (3-35), the movable body SKY004 falls and a background image with a radial pattern is displayed on the screen (3-36). In this embodiment, light emission control in which the decorative light emitter emits rainbow colors begins from the scenes shown in (3-36) to (3-38). The epilogue performance from (3-36) to (3-38) is the same epilogue performance as Battle Reach and Story Reach A. From this point on, the display area image SKY005 is designed to be erased. By doing this, the jackpot can be celebrated on the full screen.

Then, a display is executed in which the third ally character SKY010 talks to the characters displayed around him, while the dialogue S (SKY006) is displayed in a rainbow-colored display mode (3-39) to (3-42). In this example, light emission control is started in the scene shown in (3-36) so that the decorative light emitter emits rainbow colors. For example, in the scenes shown in (3-36) and (3-42), the decorative light emitter rapidly blinks (flashes) in rainbow colors, and in the scenes shown in (3-37) to (3-42) and (3-44) to (3-46), the decorative light emitter emits slowly in rainbow colors. When the dialogue S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (3-42), the background image becomes difficult to recognize, as shown in (3-43), and a display is executed in which the jackpot symbol "222" appears from the center of the screen (3-43). The jackpot symbol "222" is then gradually enlarged (3-44) until it covers the entire screen (3-45). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is displayed at the same size as when normal fluctuations were being executed before the reach was established (3-46). Then, the image display device 5 goes white and story reach B ends, and the same background image as when normal fluctuations were being executed before the reach was established is displayed, and the jackpot symbol "222" is temporarily stopped (3-47). After that, the jackpot symbol "222" is stopped and displayed (3-48).

If Story Reach B is a miss, after (3-36), a performance display is displayed in which the third ally character SKY010 talks to the characters displayed around him, while the dialogue S (SKY006) is displayed in a white display mode superimposed on the display area image SKY005, and a performance display is executed (3-49) to (3-50). In this example, light emission control is started in which the decorative light emitter emits low-luminance white light from the scene shown in (3-49). Next, when the dialogue S (SKY006) disappears from the screen in (3-50), the background image becomes difficult to recognize as in (3-43), and a performance display in which the pattern "212" appears from the center of the screen is executed in a transparent state (3-51). The transparency decreases from the transparent state, and the miss pattern can be clearly recognized (3-52). After that, the screen goes black, and Story Reach B ends. When Story Reach B ends, the same background image as when the normal variation was being executed before the reach was established is displayed, and the losing symbol "212" is temporarily displayed (3-53). After that, the losing symbol "212" is displayed (3-54).

In this embodiment, the shape of the display area image SKY005 is rectangular, but it may be any shape, such as jagged or circular, and the color does not have to be black. In addition, the way the chance-up effect is displayed is red from the beginning, so it is not possible to see the change from white to red, but it is also possible to display the line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen while showing the change from white to red to the player. In addition, when the result is announced, the background image is displayed in a state that is difficult to recognize (3-43), but by doing so, the pattern is emphasized, making it easier for the player to recognize whether it is a big hit or a miss. In addition, the display area image SKY005 is not displayed except for the image before the display area image SKY005 is displayed (for example, 004IWC03), the dialogue S (SKY006), the constant small symbol (for example, (2-9) ↓↓↓), and the reach symbol (for example, (2-9) 2↓2), but it is not limited to this, and an active display may be displayed. By doing so, it is possible to see the story reach performance while watching the display mode of the active display, and it is possible to predict whether it will be controlled to a jackpot. Furthermore, the display mode of the active display may be changed during the story reach performance, and when changing the display mode, the display mode may be changed from outside the display area image SKY005, or from within the display area image SKY005. By doing so, it is possible to focus on the display mode of the active display and the display area image SKY005 image, and the interest in the game is increased.

In this embodiment, it is possible to execute chance-up effects as shown in Figure 35 (2-17) and Figure 43 (3-18), and Figure 49 illustrates the display mode when the chance-up effect of line L (SKY007) is executed. First, the default display will be explained. The default display mode in this embodiment is displayed in white, and line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in white as shown in Figure 49.

Next, when the display is in red for the chance-up effect, the line L (SKY007), the effect image SKY008 that emphasizes the line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in red, as shown in Figure 49.

Next, when displayed in a display mode of the corresponding color as a chance up effect, the character is displayed, and when a chance up is executed in the corresponding color of the first ally character 004IWC01, the first ally character 004IWC01 is displayed while the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007) and the line L (SKY007) and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a purple display mode corresponding to the first ally character 004IWC01. When a chance up is executed in the corresponding color of the second ally character 004IWC02, the second ally character 004IWC02 is displayed while the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007) and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in a green display mode corresponding to the second ally character 004IWC02. When the chance up is executed in the color corresponding to the third ally character SKY010, the third ally character SKY010 is displayed, while the effect image SKY008 emphasizing the line L (SKY007) and the background in the center of the screen are displayed in the blue display mode corresponding to the third ally character SKY010. As described in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the order of white → red → corresponding color is designed to have a high jackpot expectation, and by making the character's corresponding color higher in jackpot expectation than the red of other chance ups, not only can a color that is thought to have a lower jackpot expectation than red become a color with a higher jackpot expectation, but also the color of the character and the character itself can be focused on. Furthermore, by executing the chance up performance in the color corresponding to the character, the relevance between the character and the line L (SKY007) can be increased. In addition, when the corresponding color of the first ally character 004IWC01 is executed, the lamp or chance up of the corresponding color of the third ally character SKY010, which is not displayed in the performance, is designed not to be used. This makes it possible to avoid the mistaken belief that the chance up of the corresponding color has been executed.

Figure 50 illustrates the events that occur when the chance-up effect is executed and when it is not executed. First, we will explain what happens when the chance-up effect is not executed. When the chance-up effect is not executed, no sound is output and the movable body SKY004 does not operate. Also, at this time, the decorative light-emitting body also emits light in a white mode (color).

Next, we will explain what happens when the chance up performance is executed. When the chance up performance of the line L (SKY007) is executed, sound is output according to the state of the chance up, and in the case of a red chance up, specific sound 1 is output. The movable body SKY004 operates at the timing when the chance up performance is executed, and falls at 25% of its movable range (assuming that the central part of the image display device 5 is 50% of the movable range of the movable body SKY004). At this time, the decorative light-emitting body also emits light in a red state (color), and has a higher brightness than the decorative light-emitting body that emits light when the chance up performance is not executed. In the case of a chance up of the color corresponding to the line L (SKY007), specific sound 3 is output. The movable body SKY004 operates at the timing when the chance up performance is executed, and falls at 50% of its movable range (assuming that the central part of the image display device 5 is 50% of the movable range of the movable body SKY004). At this time, the decorative light emitter also emits light in the corresponding color mode (color), and the brightness is higher than that of the decorative light emitter that emits light when the chance-up performance is executed in the red display mode. In this way, when the chance-up performance is executed, sound is output, the movable body is operated, and the decorative light emitter emits light, so that not only is it easy to tell the player that the chance-up performance has been executed, but the association between the character and the light-emitting color of the decorative light emitter can be enhanced. When the chance-up performance of the line S (SKY006) is executed, sound is output in the same way as the chance-up performance of the line L (SKY007), but the same specific sound as the chance-up performance of the line L (SKY007) is not output, and a predetermined sound for the line S (SKY006) is output. This predetermined sound is a sound smaller than the specific sound, and is output at a sound smaller than that of the line S (SKY006). By doing this, not only can you tell that the chance-up effect has been executed, but because the sound of the line S (SKY006) is louder than the predetermined sound, it becomes easier to hear the line S (SKY006), and you can focus on the line S.

Figures 51 and 52 show the timing of the chance-up effect of the line S (SKY006). First, the timing of the chance-up effect of the line S (SKY006) executed in the battle reach will be explained. There are two timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in the battle reach. The first timing is when the line S (SKY006) "Stop your evil deeds! Bakuchu!" in Figure 28 (1-11) is displayed, and the display mode is red when it is displayed. At this time, since it is displayed in red from the beginning like the line L (SKY007), it is displayed in a way that makes it impossible to recognize the change from white to red. The second timing is when the chance-up effect is executed is when the line S (SKY006) "I won't forgive you anymore!!!" in Figure 28 (1-16) is displayed, and the display mode is red when it is displayed. In this case, just like Dialogue L (SKY007), it is displayed in red from the beginning, so the change from white to red cannot be recognized.

Next, the timing of execution of the chance-up effect of the line S (SKY006) executed in Story Reach A will be explained. There are two timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in Story Reach A. The first timing is when the line S (SKY006) of FIG. 34 (2-11) "Where shall we go for lunch today?" is displayed, and the display mode is red when it is displayed. At this time, it is displayed in red from the beginning, just like line L (SKY007), so it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red. The second timing is when the chance-up effect is executed is when the line S (SKY006) of FIG. 35 (2-21) "Let's go eat together!" is displayed, and the display mode is red when it is displayed. At this time, it is displayed in red from the beginning, just like line L (SKY007), so it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red.

Next, the timing of execution of the chance-up effect of the line S (SKY006) executed in Story Reach B will be explained. There are two timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in Story Reach B. The first timing for the chance-up effect is when the line S (SKY006) "Why..." in FIG. 42 (3-15) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is in red. At this time, it is displayed in red from the beginning, just like line L (SKY007), so it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red. The second timing for the chance-up effect is when the line S (SKY006) "I want you to support me!" in FIG. 43 (3-20) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is in red. At this time, it is displayed in red from the beginning, just like line L (SKY007), so it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red.

In this embodiment, the chance up effects are designed to be executed at different times after the effect starts (the number of seconds for the chance up effect after the effect starts). By doing this, it becomes difficult to tell when the chance up effect will occur, and the player can look forward to the chance up effect, increasing interest in the game.

Figure 53 illustrates the timing of the chance-up effect of the line L (SKY007). First, the execution timing of the chance-up effect of the line L (SKY007) executed in the story reach A will be explained. There are three timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in the story reach A. The first timing for the chance-up effect is when the line L (SKY007) "Let's have lunch together" in Figure 34 (2-15) is displayed, and the color when displayed is red or the corresponding color. At this time, since it is displayed in red or the corresponding color from the beginning, it is displayed in such a way that it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red or the corresponding color. The second timing for the chance-up effect is when the line L (SKY007) "Why...with me?" in Figure 35 (2-17) is displayed, and the color when displayed is red or the corresponding color. At this time, since it is displayed in red or the corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red or the corresponding color. The third timing, when the chance-up effect is executed, is when the line L (SKY007) "Because I want to become friends with Jam" in Figure 35 (2-19) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is red or the corresponding color. At this time, since it is displayed in red or the corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red or the corresponding color.

Next, the timing of execution of the chance-up effect of the line L (SKY007) executed in Story Reach B will be explained. There are three timings for the chance-up effect to be executed in Story Reach B. The first timing for the chance-up effect to be executed is when the line L (SKY007) of Figure 42 (3-14) "I'm graduating" is displayed, and the color displayed is red or a corresponding color. At this time, since it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red or a corresponding color. The second timing for the chance-up effect to be executed is when the line L (SKY007) of Figure 42 (3-16) "Why are you graduating!" is displayed, and the color displayed is red or a corresponding color. At this time, since it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to recognize the change from white to red or a corresponding color. The third timing, when the chance-up effect is executed, is when the line L (SKY007) "Because I want to be an actress!" in Figure 43 (3-18) is displayed, and when it is displayed, it is in red or a corresponding color. At this time, since it is displayed in red or a corresponding color from the beginning, it is not possible to see the change from white to red or a corresponding color.

In this embodiment, the chance up effects are designed to be executed at different times after the effect starts (the number of seconds for the chance up effect after the effect starts). By doing this, the chance up timing becomes less obvious, allowing the player to look forward to the chance up effect and increasing interest in the game. Also, in this embodiment, when the display mode of line S (SKY006) changes due to the chance up effect, the display mode of line L (SKY007) does not change. Conversely, when the display mode of line L (SKY007) changes due to the chance up effect, the display mode of line S (SKY006) does not change. By doing this, it is possible to draw attention to line S (SKY006) and line L (SKY007) separately. For example, when the line S (SKY006) is changed to a red display state by the chance up effect, the line L (SKY007) is either displayed in a red display state by the chance up effect of the line L (SKY007) without the line S (SKY006) being changed by the chance up effect, or is displayed in a white display state without the chance up effect being executed. Conversely, when the line L (SKY007) is changed to a red display state by the chance up effect, the line S (SKY006) is either displayed in a red display state by the chance up effect of the line S (SKY006) without the line L (SKY007) being changed by the chance up effect, or is displayed in a white display state without the chance up effect being executed.

Figure 54 illustrates the display time of Line L (SKY007). The display time of Line L (SKY007) is designed to be shortened each time it is displayed. This allows the performance to be executed smoothly while emphasizing the first display. The display time is the same for both Story Reach A and Story Reach B. First, Line L (SKY007) that is displayed the first time is displayed for three seconds (e.g., Figure 34 (2-15), Figure 34 (2-17), Figure 34 (2-19)). Next, Line L (SKY007) that is displayed the second time is displayed for one second (e.g., Figure 35 (2-23), Figure 36 (2-25), Figure 36 (2-27)). Next, the line L (SKY007) displayed for the third time is displayed for 0.5 seconds (for example, FIG. 36 (2-29), FIG. 34 (2-31), FIG. 37 (2-33)). In this embodiment, the length of the display time of the line L (SKY007) displayed for the first time is designed to be longer than the length of the display time of the line S (SKY006). By doing so, not only can the line L (SKY007) be more noticeable than the line S (SKY006), but also, since the line L (SKY007) has a higher expectation of a big win when the chance-up effect is executed than the line S (SKY006), it is easier to recognize whether the display mode has changed due to the chance-up effect than the line S (SKY006). In addition, the display of the line L (SKY007) displayed for the second and third times may be displayed in a different position from the line L (SKY007) displayed for the first time. By doing this, the player can naturally follow the display of the line L (SKY007) with their eyes.

Figures 55 and 56 are diagrams comparing the text of story reach and battle reach. Both story reach and battle reach can display the dialogue S (SKY006), and both can be displayed at the same size and in the same display format. Furthermore, the size of the dialogue S (SKY006) does not change depending on whether the epilogue is a big win or a loss, and it is displayed in the same position in both cases, and it is designed to be displayed in a rainbow display format during a big win and in a white display format during a loss. This makes it easier for the player to see the dialogue S (SKY006). Furthermore, with regard to the story reach, it is designed so that the display area image SKY005 disappears during a big win. This allows the player to celebrate the big win on the full screen.

Figure 57 illustrates an example of a modified example in which the chance-up effect of line L (SKY007) is managed by a scenario. When it is decided that the chance-up effect will be executed, one of scenarios 2 to 4 in Figure 57 is executed. First, scenario 1 is a scenario when the chance-up effect is not executed. Scenario 1, in which the chance-up effect is not executed, displays line L (SKY007), effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background in the center of the screen in white at the timing when the chance-up effect is executed.

Next, scenario 2 is a scenario when the chance-up effect is executed. In scenario 2 in which the chance-up effect is executed, at the first timing when the chance-up effect is executed, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in a white display mode. At the second timing, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode. At the third timing, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in a red display mode.

Next, scenario 3 is a scenario when the chance-up effect is executed. In scenario 3 in which the chance-up effect is executed, at the first timing when the chance-up effect is executed, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in white. At the second timing, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in red. At the third timing, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in the corresponding color.

Next, scenario 4 is a scenario when the chance-up effect is executed. In scenario 4 in which the chance-up effect is executed, at the first timing when the chance-up effect is executed, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in red. At the second timing, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in a corresponding color. At the third timing, line L (SKY007), an effect image SKY008 that emphasizes line L (SKY007), and the background at the center of the screen are displayed in a corresponding color.

By managing the chance-up effects in this way, the data can be stored as a single video, reducing the data size.

In addition, in the embodiment, spherical gaming balls (pachinko balls) are used as an example of gaming media, but the gaming media is not limited to spherical gaming media and may be non-spherical gaming media such as medals.

In the embodiment, a pachinko game machine is used as an example of a game machine, but the present invention can also be applied to a slot machine in which, for example, a game can be started by setting a predetermined number of bets for one game using gaming value, one game ends when a variable display result is derived from a variable display device that can variably display multiple types of individually identifiable patterns, and a prize can be won depending on the variable display result derived from the variable display device.

The gaming machine of the present invention can also be applied to slot machines and other types of gaming machines that enclose gaming media and award points based on winning. In addition, a gaming machine that can be used for playing games is not limited to pachinko machines or slot machines, and can be a general game machine as long as it is capable of playing games.

1: Pachinko gaming machine 4A: First special symbol display device 4B: Second special symbol display device 5: Image display device 100: Game control microcomputer 120: Performance control CPU

Claims (2)

A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A display means,
The effect execution means is capable of executing a specific effect that suggests that the game is controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means is
A first character and a second character can be displayed during the execution of the specific performance,
A character display related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
A character display related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the specific performance,
The character display is
Can be displayed in multiple colors,
There are two types: specified character display and specific character display.
The plurality of colors includes a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color,
the third color corresponds to the first character;
the fourth color corresponds to the second character;
the first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character,
When the specific character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color,
When the specific character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color,
When the specific character display is displayed in the fourth color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color,
The character display may be displayed at least in a first position and in a second position,
The predetermined character display is displayable at the first position;
The specific character display can be displayed at the second position;
a first pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in the first color at the first position;
a second pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the first position;
a third pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in the first color at the second position;
a fourth pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the second position;
The proportion of the advantageous state controlled in the second pattern and the fourth pattern is different.
A gaming machine characterized by: A gaming machine that can be controlled to an advantageous state that is advantageous to a player,
A performance execution means capable of executing a performance;
A display means,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a first specific performance and a second specific performance that suggest that the game will be controlled to the advantageous state,
The display means is
A first character can be displayed during execution of the first specific performance,
A second character can be displayed during execution of the second specific performance,
A character display related to the first character can be displayed according to the progress of the first specific performance,
A character display related to the second character can be displayed according to the progress of the second specific performance,
The character display is
Can be displayed in multiple colors,
There are two types: specified character display and specific character display.
The plurality of colors includes a first color, a second color, a third color, and a fourth color,
the third color corresponds to the first character;
the fourth color corresponds to the second character;
the first color and the second color are not colors corresponding to the first character and the second character,
When the specific character display is displayed in the second color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color,
When the specific character display is displayed in the third color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color,
When the specific character display is displayed in the fourth color, the expectation of being controlled to the advantageous state is higher than when the specific character display is displayed in the first color and when the specific character display is displayed in the second color,
The character display may be displayed at least in a first position and in a second position,
The predetermined character display is displayable at the first position;
The specific character display can be displayed at the second position;
a first pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in the first color at the first position;
a second pattern in which the predetermined character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the first position;
a third pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in the first color at the second position;
a fourth pattern in which the specific character display is displayed in a color different from the first color at the second position;
The proportion of the advantageous state controlled in the second pattern and the fourth pattern is different.
A gaming machine characterized by: