JP7618200B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

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

Conventionally, in pachinko gaming machines, when a certain condition is met, such as when a gaming ball enters the starting hole, a special symbol is displayed in a varying manner. After the special symbol is displayed in a varying manner, the special symbol is displayed in a stationary manner. When a specific special symbol is displayed in a stationary manner, the machine is controlled to a favorable gaming state that is advantageous to the player (see Patent Document 1).

In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the variable display of the special symbol that cannot be started is stored as reserved memory. Then, when the reserved memory is stored, icons such as the reserved icon and the icon in question are displayed.

JP 2019-181256 A

However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines capable of displaying icons such as the hold icon and the above icon in order to increase interest in gaming.

The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
a game control means for bringing a player into an advantageous game state when a specific result is derived from the variable display of the identification information;
A performance control means capable of executing a performance using an image,
The game control means is capable of suspending the variable display of the identification information,
In the gaming machine, the performance control means is capable of displaying a first image corresponding to the variable display of the identification information being suspended and a second image different from the first image,
The display mode for the specific element of the first image includes a first normal mode and a first special mode,
The display mode of the specific element of the second image includes a second normal mode and a second special mode,
The performance control means is capable of displaying a predetermined character,
The predetermined character may perform a specific action,
The specific action includes a first specific action and a second specific action different from the first specific action,
After the predetermined character is displayed, the display mode of the second image may change from the second normal mode to the second special mode, or may not change from the second normal mode to the second special mode;
When the second image is displayed in the second normal mode, the display mode of the first image may change from the first normal mode to the first special mode,
The display mode of the second image changes from the second normal mode to the second special mode in response to the first specific action by the specified character, and the display mode of the first image changes from the first normal mode to the first special mode without the first specific action by the specified character.

The present invention makes it possible to prevent a decline in interest in gaming.

1 is a perspective view of a pachinko gaming machine according to a basic embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a front view illustrating the standby state of the movable body, FIG. 1B is a front view illustrating the moving state of the movable body, and FIG. 1C is a front view illustrating the rotating state of the movable body. FIG. 1 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine according to a basic embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the game control board. A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance control board. (A) is a table showing regular map-related judgment information, and (B) is a table showing special map-related judgment information. (A) is an example of the configuration of a hit determination table, (B) is an example of the configuration of a normal game fluctuation pattern determination table, and (C) is an example of the configuration of an auxiliary game control table. 1A is an example of a jackpot determination table, FIG. 1B is an example of a jackpot symbol type determination table, and FIG. 1C is an example of a reach determination table. This is an example of the configuration of a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table. This is an example of the configuration of a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table. 13 is a configuration example of a first read-ahead determination table. 13 is a configuration example of a second pre-reading determination table. 13A is an example of the configuration of a jackpot game control table, and FIG. 13B is an example of the configuration of a game status setting table. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing an example of a demo video, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen. (A) is a diagram showing an example of a first normal background image, (B) is a diagram showing an example of a second normal background image, (C) is a diagram showing an example of a third normal background image, (D) is a diagram showing an example of a special bonus background image, and (E) is a diagram showing an example of a time-saving background image. FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a big win opening presentation, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a round presentation, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a big win ending presentation. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a performance pattern, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a performance pattern display area. This is a diagram showing an example of a special chart change presentation when there is no reach and it is a miss. This is a diagram showing an example of the special chart change performance from the start to the reach. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an N reach. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an L reach. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of an L reach, which is a continuation of FIG. 23. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an SP reach. This is a diagram showing an example of an SP reach, which is a continuation of Figure 25. This is a diagram showing an example of an SP reach, which is a continuation of Figure 26. A figure showing an example of a movable object presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a hold presentation. A figure showing an example of a pending icon change notice. A figure showing an example of a pending icon change notice. 13 is a flowchart of a game control main process. 13 is a flowchart of the game control side timer interrupt processing. 13 is a flowchart of a sensor detection process. 36 is a flowchart of the sensor detection process, which is a continuation of FIG. 35 . 13 is a flowchart of a normal operation process. 13 is a flowchart of a special action process. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination process. 13 is a flowchart of special pattern change processing. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of a main process for performance control. 13 is a flowchart of a 1 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 47 is a flowchart of the received command analysis process, which is a continuation of FIG. 46. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a specific performance execution determination table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a specific performance type determination table. 13A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a decorative image special mode determination table, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a premonition effect execution determination table. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hold change notice execution determination table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a hold change notice mode determination table. 1A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the change notice execution determination table, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the change notice mode determination table. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of a decorative image. A figure showing the first action being performed in a specific performance that does not include a premonition performance. A figure showing the first action being performed in a specific performance that does not include a premonition performance. A figure showing the second action being performed in a specific performance that does not include a premonition performance. A figure showing the third action being performed in a specific performance that does not include a premonition performance. This is a diagram showing a specific effect accompanied by a premonition effect being performed. This is a diagram showing a specific effect accompanied by a premonition effect being performed. This is a diagram showing the state in which the change notice is being given.

<Basic embodiment>
First, a basic embodiment of the present invention, which is the premise of the characteristic parts of the gaming machine of the present invention, will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. In each of the drawings, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions of the same parts will be omitted as a rule. In the following, for the sake of simplicity of description, by writing a symbol or code referring to information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc., the name of the information, signal, physical quantity, member, etc. corresponding to the symbol or code may be omitted or abbreviated.

1. Mechanical Configuration of the Gaming Machine The following describes the pachinko gaming machine PY, which is a basic embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. First, the mechanical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine PY will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In the following description, the left, right, up and down directions of each part of the pachinko gaming machine PY refer to the left, right, up and down directions (as viewed from the front) of a player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY. In addition, the "front" will be described as the direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY from the pachinko gaming machine PY, and the "rear" will be described as the direction approaching the pachinko gaming machine PY from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine PY.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine PY comprises a game board unit YU including a game board 1, and a game machine frame 2 that houses the game board unit YU inside. The game machine frame 2 comprises a frame-shaped outer frame 21 that is fixed to an amusement facility, an inner frame 22 that is attached to the outer frame 21 and to which the game board unit YU is attached, and a front door 23 that is supported by the inner frame 22 so as to be freely rotatable.

The outer frame 21, inner frame 22, and front door 23 have roughly the same outer peripheral shape when viewed from the front. The inner frame 22 is attached to the front of the outer frame 21.

The front door 23 can be opened and closed relative to the inner frame 22. The front door 23 has a frame-shaped front frame 23m with a large opening of a substantially vertically elongated rectangle formed in the center, and a transparent plate 23t fitted into the opening. When the front door 23 is closed, the game board 1 included in the game board unit YU faces the transparent plate 23t. The transparent plate 23t is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate and is formed into a substantially vertically elongated rectangle. Therefore, when the pachinko game machine PY is installed in a game arcade, a player in front of the pachinko game machine PY can see the game area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 through the transparent plate 23t. Note that a transparent glass plate may be used as the transparent plate 23t instead of a transparent synthetic resin plate. It is sufficient that the game area 6 can be seen through the transparent plate 23t from the front of the pachinko game machine PY.

A handle 72k that can be rotated to launch the game ball is provided at the lower right of the front of the front frame 23m. The amount by which the handle 72k is rotated (rotation angle) corresponds to the amount of force (launch strength) that is applied to the game ball to launch it. Thus, the game ball is launched with a launch strength that corresponds to the rotation of the handle 72k.

In addition, the lower part of the front surface of the front frame 23m is provided with an upper tray 34 that protrudes significantly forward, and a lower tray 35 that is disposed directly below the upper tray 34. A first performance button 40k that can be pressed downward is provided in the center of the front side of the upper tray 34. The operating portion of the first performance button 40k that protrudes visibly from the upper surface of the upper tray 34 is molded in a hemispherical shape. Furthermore, a supply ball storage hole 34A is formed on the rear side of the upper surface of the upper tray 34 for storing game balls supplied to the handle 72k. In addition, a surplus ball storage hole 35A is provided on the upper surface of the lower tray 35 for storing surplus game balls that cannot be accommodated in the supply ball storage hole 34A.

Furthermore, the upper decorative body 31, the right decorative body 32, and the left decorative body 33 are provided on the upper side, right side, and left side of the transparent plate 23t on the front of the front frame 23m, which protrude forward. On the bottom surface of the upper decorative body 31, a pair of two speakers 52 capable of outputting sound, specifically the speaker 52L arranged on the left side and the speaker 52R arranged on the right side, are arranged side by side facing downward and spaced a certain distance apart in the left-right direction. In addition, a second performance button 41k that can be pressed downward is provided on the lower part of the right decorative body 32. The operating portion of the second performance button 41k is shaped like a rod. Furthermore, a frame lamp 53 that can emit light is provided from the right decorative body 32 to the front right part of the upper tray 34, and from the left decorative body 33 to the front left part of the upper tray 34.

The positions and number of components and devices installed in the gaming machine frame 2 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the game board unit YU will be described using FIG. 2 in addition to FIG. 1. The game board unit YU has a game board 1 and a board presentation unit EU attached to the back of the game board 1. First, the game board 1 will be described. The game board 1 is made of a transparent synthetic resin plate. An opening 1A that is roughly circular when viewed from the front is formed in approximately the center of the game board 1.

A roughly ring-shaped center decorative body 61 is formed on the front surface of the game board 1, protruding forward along the opening 1A. In addition, on the outside of the center decorative body 61, an outer rail 62 is formed in a roughly ring shape so as to largely surround the center decorative body 61, and between the left side portion of the outer rail 62 and the center decorative body 61, a curved inner rail 63 is formed which is roughly parallel to the outer rail 62 and the center decorative body 61.

The area on the front side of the game board 1 surrounded by the center decorative body 61, the outer rail 62, the inner rail 63, etc. forms the game area 6. In other words, the front side of the game board 1 is divided into the game area 6 and other areas by the center decorative body 61, the outer rail 62, and the inner rail 63. The area surrounded by the outer rail 62 and the inner rail 63 also forms the launch area 7 through which the launched game ball can pass on its way to the game area 6.

The play area 6 is an area in which game balls released by operating the handle 72k can flow down, and is provided for playing on the pachinko game machine PY. In addition, a large number of game nails (not shown) are protruding from the play area 6. The game nails form a path that appropriately guides game balls that enter the play area 6 and flow down the play area 6 to the general winning opening 10, the first starting opening 11, the second starting opening 12, the gate 13, and the big winning opening 14, etc.

A general winning device 10D is provided at a predetermined position in the game area 6. In the general winning device 10D, a general winning port 10 is formed so that game balls can enter. When a game ball enters the general winning port 10, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., three) are paid out as prize balls. Game balls that enter the general winning port 10 are discharged directly to the outside of the game area 6.

In addition, a first start winning device 11D is provided directly below the center of the center decoration 61 in the game area 6. In the first start winning device 11D, the first start opening 11 is formed so that game balls can enter. The first start winning device 11D has a non-operational structure. Therefore, the ease with which game balls can enter the first start opening 11 remains constant (unchanging). When a game ball enters the first start opening 11, a predetermined number of game balls (for example, four) are paid out as prize balls. The game balls that enter the first start opening 11 are simply discharged outside the game area 6.

A warp section 61w is formed from the left side to the bottom end of the center decorative body 61, allowing the game ball to pass inside. The entrance to the warp section 61w is formed on the left side of the center decorative body 61. The game ball that enters the warp section 61w passes through the inside of the warp section 61w and exits from the exit. Near the exit of the warp section 61w, on the upper surface of the bottom end of the center decorative body 61, a stage 61s is provided on which the game ball can roll. A downward guide section 61y that guides the game ball downward is provided at the tip of the stage 61s. A first starting hole 11 is provided directly below this downward guide section 61y.

Directly below the first starting hole 11 in the game area 6, a second starting winning device (so-called "electric chute") 12D is provided. The electric chute 12D is formed with a second starting hole 12 that can be changed between a closed state where the game ball cannot enter and an open state where the ball can enter. The second starting hole 12 takes the closed state and the open state by an electric chute opening/closing member 12k provided on the electric chute 12D. In other words, the second starting hole 12 opens and closes by the operation of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k.

The electric chute opening/closing member 12k is an approximately L-shaped member when viewed from the front, and normally closes the second starting hole 12. The electric chute opening/closing member 12k can protrude forward from a retracted state in which the front end surface is flush with the play area 6. When the electric chute opening/closing member 12k protrudes forward, it protrudes vertically into the play area 6, and the second starting hole 12 opens to allow the ball to enter. Specifically, the vertical portion erected at the left end of the horizontal portion of the electric chute opening/closing member 12k receives the game ball, and the game ball is guided from the horizontal portion to the second starting hole 12.

In this way, game balls can enter the second starting hole 12 only when the electric chute opening/closing member 12k is in the open state. When a game ball enters the second starting hole 12, a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., two) are paid out as prize balls. Game balls that enter the second starting hole 12 are simply ejected outside the game area 6.

A gate 13 is provided to the right of the center decorative body 61. The gate 13 is configured to allow game balls to pass through. Even if a game ball passes through the gate 13, no prize balls are paid out. Game balls that pass through the gate 13 simply flow down the game area 6.

A large prize winning device 14D is provided to the right of the first start winning device 11D in the game area 6, downstream of the gate 13. The large prize winning device 14D is formed with a large prize winning opening 14 that can be changed between a closed state where game balls cannot enter and an open state where game balls can enter. The large prize winning opening 14 is switched between a closed state and an open state by an AT opening/closing member 14k provided on the large prize winning device 14D. In other words, the large prize winning opening 14 is opened and closed by the operation of the AT opening/closing member 14k.

The AT opening/closing member 14k is a movable member consisting of a flat plate that is roughly horizontally elongated when viewed from the front, and normally closes the large prize opening 14. A horizontal rotation shaft is provided at the lower end of the AT opening/closing member 14k. The AT opening/closing member 14k can rotate approximately 90 degrees around the rotation shaft so that the upper end falls forward. When the AT opening/closing member 14k rotates, it protrudes vertically into the play area 6, and the large prize opening 14 is opened to allow balls to enter.

In this way, game balls can enter the large prize opening 14 only when the AT opening/closing member 14k is in the open state. When a game ball enters the large prize opening 14, a predetermined number of game balls (in the basic embodiment, one) are paid out as prize balls. Note that the game ball that enters the large prize opening 14 is simply ejected outside the game area 6.

In addition, below the big prize device 14D in the game area 6, a guide path 64 is formed with its upper surface diagonally downward to the left, and protrudes forward from the game area 6 (the front surface of the game board 1) to guide the game ball to the second starting hole 12. Note that the game ball rolling on the upper surface of the guide path 64 can flow down toward the second starting hole 12, but generally cannot enter the first starting hole 11.

The entry of game balls into the first start gate 11, the second start gate 12, the big prize gate 14, and the general prize gate 10, and the passage of game balls through the gate 13 are collectively referred to as "winning" at the first start gate 11, the second start gate 12, the big prize gate 14, the general prize gate 10, and the gate 13.

The game area 6 into which the game balls can flow can be divided into a left game area 6A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction, and a right game area 6B on the right side. The operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the left game area 6A is called "left hit." On the other hand, the operation mode of the handle 72k that launches the game ball so that it flows down the right game area 6B is called "right hit."

In the game area 6, the flow path through which the game ball can flow when shot from the left is called the first flow path R1, and the flow path through which the game ball can flow when shot from the right is called the second flow path R2. The first flow path R1 and the second flow path R2 are also configured with a large number of game nails (not shown).

A first starting port 11 and two general winning ports 10 are provided on the first flow path R1. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the first starting port 11 or the general winning port 10 by hitting the game ball from the left so that it flows down the first flow path R1. On the other hand, a second starting port 12, a gate 13, and a large winning port 14 are provided on the second flow path R2. Therefore, a player can aim to win at the gate 13, the second starting port 12, or the large winning port 14 by hitting the game ball from the right so that it flows down the second flow path R2.

In addition, at approximately the bottom of the game area 6, two outlets 19 are provided for discharging game balls that have been shot into the game area 6 but have not entered any of the winning holes to the outside of the game area 6. In addition, the number of winning balls that enter each winning hole can be set appropriately.

Next, we will explain the board performance unit EU attached to the back of the game board 1. The board performance unit EU is a unit made up of multiple devices that mainly perform the performance. An image display device 50 and a board moving device 55 are attached to the board performance unit EU.

The image display device 50 is composed of a 20-inch 3D liquid crystal display and has a display unit 50a capable of displaying 3D images. The image display device 50 is positioned a few centimeters behind the game board 1.

The board moving device 55 includes a movable board body 55k. The board moving body 55k has a horizontally long, plate-shaped lifting member 55k2 that is held horizontal, and a roughly elliptical rotating member 55k1 that is provided in the center of the lifting member 55k2 in the left-right direction. The board moving body 55k is disposed between the game board 1 and the image display device 50. In the standby state in which the board moving body 55k is disposed in the initial position, the lower end portion of the board moving body 55k, specifically the lower end portion of the rotating member 55k1, is located slightly below the upper end of the opening 1A of the game board 1. In other words, in the standby state, the board moving body 55k is disposed so that only a portion of the lower end of the rotating member 55k1 is visible to the player, and most of it is not visible (see FIG. 3(A)).

The movable platen body 55k can generally descend from the initial position to a predetermined operating position, and then rise from the operating position to return to the initial position (see FIG. 3(B)). The predetermined operating position is a position where the movable platen body 55k is located approximately in the center of the opening 1A when viewed from the front. Here, the predetermined working position can be set appropriately, and may be a position where the movable platen body 55k is located above or below approximately the center of the opening 1A when viewed from the front.

The rotating member 55k1 can rotate clockwise and counterclockwise when viewed from the front about a rotation axis formed in the center in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 3(C)). The rotating member 55k1 can rotate when the movable plate body 55k moves from the standby position to the operating position, when it is held at the operating position, and when it moves from the operating position to the standby position.

The positions and number of components and devices installed on the game board unit YU can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Next, the displays 8 arranged to the right of the vertical center of the play area 6 formed on the front of the game board 1 (part other than the play area 6) will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the displays 8 include a special symbol 1 display 81a that variably displays the first special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 1"), a special symbol 2 display 81b that variably displays the second special symbol (hereinafter referred to as "special symbol 2"), and a regular symbol display 82 that variably displays the regular symbol (hereinafter referred to as "regular symbol"). The displays 8 also include a special symbol 1 reserved display 83a that displays the number of reserved special symbols 1, which will be described later, and a special symbol 2 reserved display 83b that displays the number of reserved special symbols 2, which will be described later.

The variable display of special chart 1 is executed when a special chart 1 lottery is held triggered by the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 11. The variable display of special chart 2 is executed when a special chart 2 lottery is held triggered by the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 12. The special chart 1 lottery and the special chart 2 lottery will be described later. In the following explanation, special chart 1 and special chart 2 are collectively referred to as "special charts", and the special chart 1 lottery and special chart 2 lottery are collectively referred to as "special chart lottery". In addition, the special chart 1 display 81a and the special chart 2 display 81b are collectively referred to as "special chart display 81". Furthermore, the special chart 1 reserve display 83a and the special chart 2 reserve display 83b are collectively referred to as "special chart reserve display 83".

The variable display of the special chart notifies the result of the special chart lottery. In the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed variably and then displayed statically. The statically displayed special chart (static special chart) is identification information that represents the result of the special chart lottery derived as the display result of the variable display. If the statically displayed special chart is a specific special chart that has been determined in advance, a jackpot game is played, which involves the opening of the jackpot opening 14.

The special chart 1 display 81a and the special chart 2 display 81b each consist of eight LEDs arranged side by side. The lighting state of the special chart 1 display 81a and the special chart 2 display 81b represents the special chart according to the result of the special chart lottery, that is, the result of the special chart lottery. For example, if the result of the special chart lottery is a jackpot, the first, second, fifth, and sixth LEDs from the left will be lit up, as in "□□■■□□■■" (□: lit, ■: unlit). This lighting state is the jackpot pattern and represents a jackpot. Also, if the result of the special chart lottery is a miss, only the rightmost LED will be lit up, as in "■■■■■■■□". This lighting state is the miss pattern and represents a miss. The lighting state of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the special chart lottery is not limited and can be set appropriately. Therefore, for example, all LEDs may be turned off as a miss pattern.

In addition, in the variable display of the special chart, the special chart is displayed for a predetermined variable time before the special chart is displayed in a stopped state. The mode of the variable display of the special chart is, for example, a mode in which each LED lights up so that light flows repeatedly from left to right. Note that the mode of the variable display is not particularly limited, and if each LED is not displayed in a stopped state (illuminated display in a specific mode), it may be set appropriately, such as all LEDs flashing at once.

However, in the pachinko game machine PY, even if a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, there are cases where the special chart lottery and the variable display of the special chart are not performed immediately. Specifically, this is the case when a game ball enters the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12 while the variable display of the special chart is being executed or while a jackpot game is being executed. In this case, the special chart lottery and the variable display of the special chart are put on hold based on that entry. This reserved special chart lottery and variable display of the special chart is called "special chart hold."

The special chart reserves include "special chart 1 reserve," which represents the special chart 1 lottery and the variable display of special chart 1 reserved based on winning at the first starting gate 11, and "special chart 2 reserve," which represents the special chart 2 lottery and the variable display of special chart 2 reserved based on winning at the second starting gate 12. The number of special chart 1 reserves, i.e., the number of reserved special chart 1 lotteries and variable displays of special chart 1, is displayed by the special chart 1 reserve indicator 83a. Meanwhile, the number of special chart 2 reserves, i.e., the number of reserved special chart 2 lotteries and variable displays of special chart 2, is displayed by the special chart 2 reserve indicator 83b.

It is possible to set an upper limit on the number of reserved special drawings 1 and the number of reserved special drawings 2, or not. Furthermore, when an upper limit is set on the number of reserved special drawings 1 and the number of reserved special drawings 2, the number of reserved special drawings 1 and the number of reserved special drawings 2 may be the same or different. In the basic embodiment, the upper limit on the number of reserved special drawings 1 and the number of reserved special drawings 2 is set to "4".

The special chart 1 reserve indicator 83a and the special chart 2 reserve indicator 83b each consist of four LEDs, and the number of special chart 1 reserves and special chart 2 reserves is displayed by lighting the LEDs corresponding to the number of special chart 1 reserves and special chart 2 reserves. In the following, the number of special chart 1 reserves is referred to as the "special chart 1 reserve number (U1)," and the number of special chart 2 reserves is referred to as the "special chart 2 reserve number (U2)." Furthermore, the "special chart 1 reserve number" and the "special chart 2 reserve number" are collectively referred to as the "special chart reserve number." Furthermore, the "special chart 1 reserve indicator 83a" and the "special chart 2 reserve indicator 83b" are collectively referred to as the "special chart reserve indicator 83."

The variable display of the normal map is executed when a normal map lottery is held in response to the entry of a game ball into the gate 13. The variable display of the normal map notifies the result of the normal map lottery. In the variable display of the normal map, the normal map is displayed statically after being displayed variably. The statically displayed normal map (static normal map) is identification information that represents the result of the normal map lottery derived as the display result of the variable display. If the statically displayed normal map is a specific normal map that has been determined in advance, an auxiliary game is played that involves the opening of the second starting hole 12.

The regular map display 82 is composed of, for example, two LEDs. The lighting mode of the regular map display 82 represents the regular map according to the result of the regular map lottery, i.e., the result of the regular map lottery. If the result of the regular map lottery is a win, then both LEDs will ultimately light up as in "□□" (□: lit, ■: off). This lighting mode is the winning symbol and represents a win. If the result of the regular map lottery is a loss, then ultimately only the right LED will light up as in "■□". This lighting mode is the losing symbol and represents a loss. Note that the lighting mode of the LEDs corresponding to the result of the regular map lottery is not limited and can be set as appropriate. For example, a mode in which all LEDs are off may be adopted as a losing symbol.

Before the normal map is displayed as stopped, the normal map is displayed as changing for a specified time. In a basic embodiment, the normal map is displayed as changing by both LEDs lighting up alternately. Note that the normal map display is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set to flash all the LEDs at once, for example, unless each LED is displayed as stopped (lighted up in a specific manner).

2. Electrical Configuration of the Game Machine Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine PY will be described based on Figures 5 to 7. As shown in Figure 5, on the back side of the pachinko game machine PY, there are attached a game control board 100 that controls the game (game progress) that can obtain a game profit, a performance control board 120 that controls the performance according to the game control by the game control board 100, an image control board 140 that controls the image, a payout control board 170 that controls the payout of game balls, and a power supply board 190 that supplies power to each board 100, 120, 140, 170.

A power switch 191 is connected to the power supply board 190. The power supply is turned on/off by turning the power switch 191 on/off.

As shown in FIG. 6, the game control board 100 is equipped with a one-chip game control microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "game control microcomputer") 101 that controls the progress of the game on the pachinko game machine PY according to a program. Therefore, the game control board 100 can be positioned as a game control unit that controls the game. Games that can earn game profits and are subject to the control of the game control board 100 include special chart lottery, variable display of special chart, jackpot game, game state setting described below, regular chart lottery, variable display of regular chart, auxiliary game, etc.

The game control microcomputer 101 includes a game ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 that stores programs and tables for controlling the progress of the game, a game RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 that is used as a work memory, and a game CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102 that executes the programs stored in the game ROM 103.

The game ROM 103 stores programs for performing the game control main processing and game control timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 also stores a jackpot determination table, a jackpot symbol type determination table, a reach determination table, a special symbol variation pattern determination table, a look-ahead determination table, a jackpot game control table, a game state setting table, a win determination table, an auxiliary game control table, and the like, which will be described later. The game ROM 103 may be external.

The game RAM 104 is also provided with a special chart reservation memory unit 105. Here, the special chart reservation memory unit 105 will be described. As described above, when a game ball wins the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12, a special chart reservation can occur. When a special chart reservation is possible, that is, when the number of special chart reservations has not reached the upper limit, judgment information consisting of various random numbers for performing a special chart lottery, etc., is obtained based on this winning. Then, this judgment information is temporarily stored in the special chart reservation memory unit 105 as a special chart reservation. In the following, the judgment information obtained by the game ball winning the first start hole 11 is referred to as "special chart 1 related judgment information", and the judgment information obtained by the game ball winning the second start hole 12 is referred to as "special chart 2 related judgment information". In addition, the special chart 1 related judgment information and the special chart 2 related judgment information are collectively referred to as "special chart related judgment information".

Then, the special drawing 1 related judgment information is stored as special drawing 1 reserved in the special drawing 1 reserved memory section 105a in the special drawing reserved memory section 105. On the other hand, the special drawing 2 related judgment information is stored as special drawing 2 reserved in the special drawing 2 reserved memory section 105b in the special drawing reserved memory section 105. The number of special drawing 1 related judgment information that can be stored in the special drawing 1 reserved memory section 105a, i.e., the upper limit value of the special drawing 1 reserved number, is set to "4". Also, the number of special drawing 2 related judgment information that can be stored in the special drawing 2 reserved memory section 105b, i.e., the upper limit value of the special drawing 2 reserved number, is set to "4".

In addition, various sensors and solenoids are connected to the game control board 100 via a specified relay board (not shown). Therefore, signals output by the various sensors are input to the game control board 100. In addition, the game control board 100 outputs signals to various actuators.

The various sensors connected to the game control board 100 include a general prize opening sensor 10a, a first start opening sensor 11a, a second start opening sensor 12a, a gate sensor 13a, and a special prize opening sensor 14a.

The general prize opening sensor 10a detects game balls that have entered the general prize opening 10. The first start opening sensor 11a detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 11. The second start opening sensor 12a detects game balls that have entered the second start opening 12. The gate sensor 13a detects game balls that have passed through the gate 13. The special prize opening sensor 14a detects game balls that have entered the special prize opening 14.

The various actuators connected to the game control board 100 include an electric chute solenoid 12s and an AT solenoid 14s. The electric chute solenoid 12s drives the electric chute opening and closing member 12k of the electric chute 12D. The AT solenoid 14s drives the AT opening and closing member 14k of the big prize device 14D.

The type and number of sensors connected to the game control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay. Also, the type and number of actuators connected to the game control board 100 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

Furthermore, displays 8 (special chart display 81, regular chart display 82, and special chart reserved display 83) are connected to the game control board 100. The display control of these displays 8 is performed by the game control microcomputer 101.

The game control board 100 also transmits various commands to the payout control board 170, and receives signals from the payout control board 170 to monitor payouts. The payout control board 170 is connected to a card unit CU and a payout device 73, as well as a launching device 72. The card unit CU is installed adjacent to the pachinko game machine PY, and is a device that enables ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card.

The payout control board 170 drives the payout motor 73m of the payout device 73 to pay out prize balls and loan balls based on signals from the game control microcomputer 101 and signals from the connected card unit CU. The paid-out prize balls and loan balls are detected by a payout sensor 73a for counting.

The launching device 72 is a device that launches game balls. The handle 72k constitutes an operation section or input section that accepts operations to cause the launching device 72 to launch game balls, and is included in the launching device 72. The handle 72k is provided with a touch switch 72a that can detect contact with the handle 72k by a person such as a player. When the player operates the handle 72k, the touch switch 72a detects the player's contact with the handle 72k, and outputs a detection signal to the payout control board 170 via the launch control circuit 175.

Furthermore, a firing volume knob 72b capable of detecting the rotation angle (amount of operation) of the handle 72k is connected to the handle 72k. The firing device 72 drives the firing motor 72m so that the game ball is fired with a strength corresponding to the rotation angle of the handle 72k detected by the firing volume knob 72b. Note that in the pachinko game machine PY, when the rotation operation of the handle 72k is maintained, one game ball is fired approximately every 0.6 seconds.

The game control board 100 also transmits various commands containing information about the game to the presentation control board 120 according to the progress of the game. The presentation control board 120 can grasp the progress of the game (the control content of the game) by the game control board 100 based on the various commands sent from the game control board 100.

The connection between the game control board 100 and the presentation control board 120 is a one-way communication connection that only allows signals to be sent from the game control board 100 to the presentation control board 120. In other words, a unidirectional circuit (not shown, for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed between the game control board 100 and the presentation control board 120 as a means for restricting the direction of communication.

As shown in FIG. 7, the performance control board 120 is equipped with a performance control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as "performance control microcomputer") 121 that controls the performance of the pachinko game machine PY according to a program. The performance control board 120, together with the image control board 140, the sound control circuit 161, and the sub-drive board 162 described below, can be positioned as a performance control unit that controls the performance. However, it is sufficient for the performance control unit to have at least the performance control board 120 and be able to control game performances, customer waiting performances, and operation promotion performances using the performance devices (image display device 50, speaker 52, frame lamp 53, and board movable body 55k, etc.).

The effects that are controlled by the effect control board 120 include game effects (special chart change effects, hold effects, big win game effects, etc.), customer waiting effects, and operation promotion effects that encourage operation during the period when operation of the first effect button 40k or the second effect button 41k is valid (operation valid period).

The presentation control microcomputer 121 includes a presentation ROM 123 that stores programs for controlling presentations as the game progresses using the game control board 100, a presentation RAM 124 that is used as a work memory, and a presentation CPU 122 that executes the programs stored in the presentation ROM 123.

The performance ROM 123 stores programs for performing the performance control main processing, reception interrupt processing, 1 ms timer interrupt processing, and 10 ms timer interrupt processing, which will be described later. Note that the performance ROM 123 may be external.

The performance RAM 124 includes a start winning command pending memory unit 125 that stores the start winning command described below, a pattern designation command memory unit 126 that stores the pattern designation command described below, and a special pattern change start command memory unit 127 that stores the special pattern change start command described below.

The image control board 140 is also connected to the presentation control board 120. The presentation control microcomputer 121 of the presentation control board 120 causes the image control board 140 to control the display of the image display device 50 based on commands received from the game control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the game control board 100. The connection between the presentation control board 120 and the image control board 140 is a two-way communication connection that allows both the transmission of signals from the presentation control board 120 to the image control board 140 and the transmission of signals from the image control board 140 to the presentation control board 120.

The image control board 140 includes an image ROM 142 that stores programs for image control, an image RAM 143 that is used as a work memory, and an image CPU 141 that executes the programs stored in the image ROM 142. The image control board 140 also includes a CGROM (Character Generator Read Only Memory) 145 that stores image data to be displayed on the image display device 50, a VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) 146 that is used for expanding the image data stored in the CGROM 145, and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 144. All or part of these electronic components may be configured on a single chip.

CGROM 145 stores, for example, image data (still image data and video data, specifically image data of characters, items, designs, figures, letters, numbers, symbols, etc. (including performance designs) and background images) for displaying images to be displayed on image display device 50.

The VDP 144 reads image data from the CGROM 145 and displays it in the display area in the VRAM 146 according to a display list created by the image CPU 141 based on instructions from the performance control microcomputer 121. The VDP 144 then appropriately synthesizes the displayed image data to draw an image in the frame buffer in the VRAM 146. The image drawn in the frame buffer is then output to the image display device 50 as an RGB signal. As a result, various performance images are displayed on the display unit 50a.

The display list is made up of a set of commands that instruct the execution of drawing on a frame-by-frame basis. The display list contains various parameter information such as the type of image to be drawn, the position at which the image is to be drawn, the display priority, the display magnification, and the transparency of the image.

In addition, the performance control microcomputer 121 outputs voice, music, sound effects, etc. from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 based on commands received from the game control board 100, i.e., according to the progress of the game by the game control board 100.

Audio data such as the sound output from the speaker 52 is stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120. The sound control circuit 161 may be configured as a board and a CPU may be mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to execute the sound control. In this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board and the sound data may be stored in the ROM. The speaker 52 may also be connected to the image control board 140 and the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 may be made to execute the sound control. In this case, the sound data may also be stored in the image ROM 142 of the image control board 140.

In addition, various sensors that serve as input units and various actuators that serve as drive sources are connected to the performance control board 120 via a specified relay board (not shown). Signals output by the various sensors are input to the performance control board 120. In addition, the performance control board 120 outputs signals to the various actuators.

The various switches connected to the performance control board 120 include a first performance button sensor 40a and a second performance button sensor 41a. The first performance button sensor 40a detects that the first performance button 40k has been pressed. The second performance button sensor 41a detects that the second performance button 41k has been pressed. When the first performance button sensor 40a and the second performance button sensor 41a detect that they have been operated, they output a signal to the performance control board 120 according to the detection content.

The type and number of switches connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay. Also, the type and number of actuators connected to the performance control board 120 can be changed as appropriate as long as it does not interfere with gameplay.

The various actuators connected to the performance control board 120 include a motor 55m1 for rotating the movable board body, and a motor 55m2 for lifting and lowering the movable board body. The motor 55m1 for rotating the movable board body drives the rotating member 55k1, and is capable of rotating the rotating member 55k1. The motor 55m2 for lifting and lowering the movable board body is capable of lifting and lowering the lifting member 55k2. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates operation pattern data that determines the operating modes of the rotating member 55k1 and the lifting member 55k2, and controls the operation of the rotating member 55k1 and the lifting member 55k2 via the sub-drive board 162.

In the following, the operations of the "rotating member 55k1 and the lifting member 55k2" may be collectively referred to as the "operation of the movable plate body 55k." Rotating the rotating member 55k1 and lowering or raising the lifting member 55k2 may also be referred to as "rotating, lowering or raising the movable plate body 55k."

The performance control microcomputer 121 also controls the lighting of the frame lamps 53 and the like via the sub-drive board 162 based on commands received from the game control board 100. In detail, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates light pattern data (data that determines the on/off state, light color, etc., also called lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of the frame lamps 53, and controls the light emission of the frame lamps 53 according to the light pattern data. Note that data stored in the performance ROM 123 of the performance control board 120 is used to create the light pattern data.

The sub-drive board 162 may be constructed as a board and have a CPU mounted on it. In this case, the CPU may be made to control the lighting of the frame lamps 53 and the like, and to control the operation of the movable board body 55k. Furthermore, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the board, and data relating to the light emission patterns and operation patterns may be stored in the ROM.

3. Main Games Played by the Gaming Machine Next, main games played by the pachinko gaming machine PY will be described with reference to FIGS.

3-1. Games related to normal figures First, games related to normal figures will be explained. When the launched game ball passes through the gate 13, the pachinko game machine PY can execute a normal figure lottery. When the normal figure lottery is executed, the normal figure display 82 performs a variable display of the normal figure (a variable display followed by a stationary display). Here, the stationary display of the normal figure includes a winning figure and a losing figure. The losing figure of the normal figure is also called a "losing normal figure" to distinguish it from the losing figure of the special figure described later.

When a winning symbol is displayed, an auxiliary game is executed and the game related to passing through the gate 13 is ended. On the other hand, when a losing regular symbol is displayed, an auxiliary game is not executed and the game related to passing through the gate 13 is ended. In the following, when the game ball passes through the gate 13 when the regular symbol is not being displayed or an auxiliary game is not being executed, it is referred to as "the regular symbol variation start condition being met."

The pachinko gaming machine PY can carry out a series of games such as variable display of normal symbols and auxiliary games based on the normal symbol variation start condition being met, acquiring normal symbol related judgment information, and conducting a normal symbol lottery. The acquired normal symbol related judgment information includes a normal symbol random number, as shown in FIG. 8 (A). The normal symbol random number is a random number (judgment information) for making a win judgment. An appropriate range is set for each random number.

3-1-1. Hit Determination Hit determination is a determination for determining whether or not a hit has occurred (whether or not an auxiliary game is executed) using a hit determination table such as that shown in FIG. 9(A), for example. The hit determination table can be associated with a game state, which will be described later. When associated with a game state, the hit determination table includes a hit determination table used in a non-time-saving state (non-time-saving hit determination table) and a hit determination table used in a time-saving state (time-saving hit determination table).

In each hit determination table, the normal symbol random number determination value (normal symbol random number determination value) is appropriately allocated to the hit and miss results of the hit determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY compares the acquired normal symbol random number with the hit determination table to determine whether it is a hit or a miss. If the hit determination result is a hit, a winning symbol is displayed as a static display on the variable display of the normal symbol. On the other hand, if the hit determination result is a miss, a missing normal symbol is displayed as a static display on the variable display of the normal symbol. The probability of winning a hit can be changed as appropriate.

3-1-2. Normal map fluctuation pattern determination/normal map variable display Normal map fluctuation pattern determination is a judgment to determine the normal map fluctuation pattern using a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table such as that shown in Figure 9 (B). The normal map fluctuation pattern is identification information regarding predetermined items related to the variable display of the normal map, such as the normal map fluctuation time.

The normal map fluctuation pattern determination table can be associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). When associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state), the normal map fluctuation pattern determination table includes a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table) and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving normal map fluctuation pattern determination table).

Each normal map fluctuation pattern determination table stores one normal map fluctuation pattern, which is the result of the normal map fluctuation pattern determination, for each normal map that is stopped. In other words, the pachinko game machine PY can make the normal map fluctuation time different between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. For example, in the non-time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map (losing normal map) is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of 30 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of 30 seconds is determined. Also, in the time-saving state, for the variable display of the normal map when a losing normal map is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of 5 seconds is determined, and for the variable display of the normal map when a winning pattern is stopped and displayed, a normal map fluctuation pattern with a normal map fluctuation time of 5 seconds is determined. Note that these normal map fluctuation times can be changed as appropriate.

Then, the variable display of the normal map for the normal map fluctuation time corresponding to the normal map fluctuation pattern determined by the normal map fluctuation pattern determination is performed on the normal map display 82. In this way, a hit determination and a normal map fluctuation pattern determination are performed, and thus the variable display of the normal map is performed on the normal map display 82.

3-1-3. Auxiliary Game Auxiliary game is executed when a winning symbol is displayed (derived) as a display result (result of a lottery) in the variable display of the normal symbol. In the auxiliary game, the electric chute 12D opens.

The elements that make up the auxiliary game (auxiliary game components) include various elements such as the number of times the electric chute 12D opens and the opening time for each opening. The pachinko game machine PY controls the auxiliary game using an auxiliary game control table. The auxiliary game control table stores the auxiliary game components. For example, as shown in FIG. 9(C), it is possible to associate the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) with the auxiliary game control table. In other words, it is possible to associate the auxiliary game components with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Note that the specific content of each element, such as the number of times it opens and the opening time, can be changed as appropriate.

The pachinko game machine PY can set different opening times for the electric chute 12D for auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state and auxiliary play in the time-saving state. For example, in auxiliary play in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D opens for a first opening time, such as 0.2 seconds, during which it is difficult to get a game ball to enter the electric chute 12D. On the other hand, in auxiliary play in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D opens for a second opening time, which is longer than the first opening time, such as two openings of 2.5 seconds with a 1.0 second interval (closing) between them, during which it is easy to get a game ball to enter the electric chute 12D.

In the following, auxiliary games in a non-time-saving state are also referred to as "short-open auxiliary games." On the other hand, auxiliary games in a time-saving state are also referred to as "long-open auxiliary games." The opening time for each auxiliary game is the total time for that auxiliary game, and it may be configured to open multiple times during one auxiliary game, for example, by opening once, closing for an interval, and then opening again.

3-2. Games related to special figures Next, games related to special figures will be explained. When the launched game ball enters the first starting hole 11, the pachinko game machine PY can execute a special figure 1 lottery. When the special figure 1 lottery is executed, the special figure 1 display 81a performs a variable display of the special figure 1 (a variable display followed by a stationary display) to notify the result of the special figure 1 lottery. Here, the stationary display of the special figure 1 includes a jackpot pattern and a losing pattern. In other words, the results of the special figure 1 lottery include a jackpot and a losing pattern.

When a jackpot symbol is displayed, the jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on that winning is ended. Also, when a losing symbol is displayed, the jackpot game is not executed, and the game based on that winning is ended.

Similarly, the pachinko game machine PY can execute a special chart 2 lottery when a released game ball enters the second starting hole 12. When the special chart 2 lottery is executed, the special chart 2 display 81b performs a variable display of the special chart 2 (a variable display followed by a stationary display) to notify the result of the special chart 2 lottery. Here, the stationary display of the special chart 2 includes a jackpot symbol and a losing symbol. In other words, the results of the special chart 2 lottery include a jackpot and a losing symbol.

When a jackpot symbol is displayed, the jackpot game is executed, a new game state is set, and the game based on that winning is ended. Furthermore, when a losing symbol is displayed, the jackpot game is not executed, and the game based on that winning is ended.

In the following, the entry of a game ball into the first start hole 11 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the first start condition," and the entry of a game ball into the second start hole 12 is referred to as the "fulfillment of the second start condition." Furthermore, the "fulfillment of the first start condition" and the "fulfillment of the second start condition" are collectively referred to as the "fulfillment of the start condition." Furthermore, the losing special symbol is also referred to as the "losing special symbol" to distinguish it from the losing regular symbols described above.

When the start conditions are met, the pachinko game machine PY acquires special chart-related judgment information and performs a special chart lottery, and then performs a series of games such as variable display of special charts and jackpot games. In order to perform variable display of special charts, various judgments are made regarding the special chart-related judgment information. The acquired special chart-related judgment information includes special chart random numbers, jackpot chart type random numbers, reach random numbers, and special chart change pattern random numbers, as shown in FIG. 8 (B).

The special pattern random number is a random number (determination information) used to determine a jackpot. The jackpot pattern type random number is a random number (determination information) used to determine the type of jackpot pattern. The reach random number is a random number (determination information) used to determine a reach. The special pattern change pattern random number is a random number (determination information) used to determine the change pattern of the special pattern. An appropriate range is set for each random number. Next, we will explain each determination made using the special pattern related determination information.

3-2-1. Jackpot Determination Jackpot determination is to determine whether or not a jackpot has occurred (whether or not a jackpot game is executed), in other words, whether it is a jackpot or a miss, using a jackpot determination table. The jackpot determination table can be provided in association with a game state described later, for example, as shown in FIG. 10(A). Specifically, the jackpot determination table includes a jackpot determination table used in a normal probability state described later (hereinafter referred to as a "normal probability jackpot determination table"), and a jackpot determination table used in a high probability state described later (hereinafter referred to as a "high probability jackpot determination table").

In each jackpot determination table associated with a game state, a special symbol random number determination value (special symbol random number determination value) is assigned to the jackpot and miss results of the jackpot determination. The pachinko game machine PY checks the acquired special symbol random number against the jackpot determination table associated with the game state to determine whether it is a jackpot or a miss. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the high probability jackpot determination table has more special symbol random number determination values that are determined to be a jackpot than the normal probability jackpot determination table.

The method of allocating special pattern random number judgment values to the jackpot probability and the results of various jackpot judgments can be changed as appropriate.

3-2-2. Jackpot symbol type determination Jackpot symbol type determination is to determine the type of jackpot symbol (jackpot symbol type) using a jackpot symbol type determination table such as that shown in Fig. 10(B) when the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot. It is possible to associate the type of jackpot symbol with the content of the jackpot, in other words, the components of the jackpot (contents advantageous to the player) that are composed of the game benefits given to the player.

The jackpot symbol type determination table is associated with the type of special symbol (special symbol 1/special symbol 2) that is variably displayed, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) from which the winning that caused the jackpot symbol type determination (that caused the jackpot symbol type determination) occurred. That is, the jackpot symbol type determination table includes a jackpot symbol type determination table (first jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 1, and a jackpot symbol type determination table (second jackpot symbol type determination table) used when performing the variably displayed special symbol 2.

Multiple types of jackpot symbols can be set. In each jackpot symbol type determination table, a determination value of the jackpot symbol type random number (jackpot symbol type random number determination value) is assigned to the jackpot symbol type that is the result of the jackpot symbol type determination. Therefore, the pachinko game machine PY checks the acquired jackpot symbol type random number against the jackpot symbol type determination table to determine the type of jackpot symbol. Then, in the first jackpot symbol type determination table and the second jackpot symbol type determination table, the jackpot symbol type random number determination value is appropriately assigned to various jackpot symbols.

The types of the jackpot patterns of the special chart 1 and the special chart 2 can be set as appropriate, but for example, as shown in the jackpot pattern type determination table in FIG. 10(B), three types of jackpot patterns, jackpot pattern A, jackpot pattern B, and jackpot pattern C, can be set as the jackpot patterns of the special chart 1, and three types of jackpot patterns, jackpot pattern D, jackpot pattern E, and jackpot pattern F, can be set as the jackpot patterns of the special chart 2. And, as shown in the jackpot pattern type determination table in FIG. 10(B), in the first jackpot pattern type determination table and the second jackpot pattern type determination table, the jackpot pattern type random number determination value is appropriately distributed to various jackpot patterns. The distribution rate of the jackpot pattern type can be changed as appropriate. Also, the types of jackpot patterns can be increased or decreased as appropriate.

Reach judgment is, for example, when the result of the jackpot judgment is a miss, using a reach judgment table as shown in FIG. 10 (C), to determine whether or not to generate a reach in the special chart variation performance described later.

The reach determination table can be associated with the game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). When associated with the game state, for example, the reach determination table includes a reach determination table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving reach determination table) and a reach determination table used in the time-saving state (time-saving reach determination table).

In each reach judgment table, the reach random number judgment value (reach random number judgment value) is assigned to the reach judgment result of "reach (reach will occur)" or "not reach (reach will not occur)". Therefore, the pachinko gaming machine PY compares the acquired reach random number with the reach judgment table to determine whether or not there is a reach (whether or not a reach will occur).

As shown in FIG. 10(C), it is possible to make the number of reach random number judgment values that are judged as "reach in hand (reach occurs)" different between the non-time-saving reach judgment table and the time-saving reach judgment table. Note that in the following, the result of a reach judgment that is made on the premise that the result of the jackpot judgment is a "miss", which is "reach in hand (reach occurs)", is sometimes referred to as a "reach with miss", and "no reach (no reach occurs)" is sometimes referred to as a "no reach miss". Furthermore, a "no reach miss" is sometimes referred to as a "complete miss", and a "reach with miss" is sometimes referred to as a "reach miss".

3-2-4. Special pattern variation pattern determination The special pattern variation pattern determination is to determine the variation pattern (special pattern variation pattern) of the variable display of the special pattern, for example, by using a special pattern variation pattern determination table (special pattern variation pattern determination table) as shown in Figs. 11 to 12, whether the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot or a miss.

The special chart change pattern is identification information for identifying specific items such as the special chart change time, the so-called "length," and the presentation flow (presentation content) of the special chart change presentation described below. Note that the special chart change pattern can also include identification information regarding the results of the jackpot determination and the reach determination, in addition to the special chart change time and the presentation flow (presentation content) of the special chart change presentation. Note that the type and number of special chart change patterns can be changed as appropriate.

The special pattern variation pattern judgment table can be associated with the type of special pattern (special pattern 1/special pattern 2) that performs the variable display that is the subject of the judgment, in other words, the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) from which the winning that is the result of the special pattern variation pattern judgment was made. That is, the special pattern variation pattern judgment table includes a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 11) that is used when performing the variable display of special pattern 1, and a special pattern variation pattern judgment table (special pattern 2 variation pattern judgment table: Figure 12) that is used when performing the variable display of special pattern 2.

And each special chart fluctuation pattern judgment table can be associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state). Specifically, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table includes a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table) and a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment table). On the other hand, the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table also includes a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the non-time-saving state (non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table used in the time-saving state (time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment table).

In addition, each special chart fluctuation pattern determination table associated with a game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) can also be associated with a jackpot determination result and a reach determination result. That is, the non-time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss. Similarly, the non-time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table and the time-saving special chart 2 fluctuation pattern determination table each have a jackpot, a reach and miss, and a no-reach miss.

Furthermore, the special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for each no-reach miss associated with the game state can also be associated with the special chart 1 reserved number. For example, there is a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for no-reach miss used when the special chart 1 reserved number (U1) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 1 variation pattern judgment table for no-reach miss used when the special chart 1 reserved number (U1) is 3 to 4. Similarly, the special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for each no-reach miss associated with the game state can also be associated with the special chart 2 reserved number. Specifically, there is a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for no-reach miss used when the special chart 2 reserved number (U2) is 0 to 2, and a special chart 2 variation pattern judgment table for no-reach miss used when the special chart 2 reserved number (U2) is 3 to 4.

Then, the special chart display 81 displays the special chart change for the special chart change time according to the special chart change pattern determined by each special chart change pattern judgment. After the special chart change display, if the jackpot pattern is displayed as a static display of the special chart change display result (the result of the special chart lottery), the next special chart change display is not performed immediately, and the jackpot game is played.

It is also possible to associate each special chart variation pattern with a special chart variation presentation flow as shown in the third column from the right in the table of Figures 11 and 12. Here, we will explain representative presentations that make up the presentation flow of the special chart variation presentation associated with the special chart variation pattern.

The effects that make up the presentation flow of special chart change effects include normal changes, reaches, normal reaches (N reaches), long reaches (L reaches), special reaches (SP reaches), and battle effects.

Normal variation is when the statically displayed performance symbols start to change, and each of the performance symbols changes so quickly that it is difficult to recognize them one by one, suggesting that the variable display of the special symbol has begun. The special symbol change performance related to a no-reach miss change (the part from when the performance symbols start to change until they stop changing), and the part of the special symbol change performance in which a reach occurs until the reach is established (confirmed) may be composed of normal variation.

N reach is an effect in which, immediately after a reach is established (confirmed) after normal fluctuations, the effect symbols that make up the reach are maintained in the position where they temporarily stopped for a specified period of time (e.g., 10 seconds), while the remaining effect symbol decelerates and fluctuates at a slower speed than normal fluctuations. The expected probability of a jackpot suggested by an N reach is higher than normal fluctuations, but lower than the L reach and SP reach described below. If the special chart fluctuation effect ends with an N reach, the remaining effect symbol that fluctuates at that slower speed stops. In the case of a miss, the remaining effect symbol stops at a different effect symbol from the effect symbols that make up the reach. If the special chart fluctuation effect does not end with an N reach, the remaining effect symbol fluctuates again at high speed, and the reach is maintained and the N reach develops (switches) into an L reach or SP reach.

The L reach can be executed both in the case of a big win and in the case of a miss, and is an effect that indicates whether or not a big win game state will occur, and suggests that there is a possibility of a big win game state. Furthermore, the L reach is an effect that can be executed after, for example, an N reach, and is executed for a longer period of time than an N reach, suggesting a higher expectation of a big win than an N reach. In the L reach, the established reach is maintained, but the effect patterns that constitute the reach are reduced in size and moved to a predetermined position that does not interfere with the background image compared to the N reach (for example, the left effect pattern EZ1 described later is at the top left of the display unit 50a, and the right effect pattern EZ3 is at the top right of the display unit 50a), and the background image is switched to a dedicated L reach (a video dedicated to the L reach is played). In the L reach, an animation image using 2DCG is mainly displayed on the display unit 50a. As for the content of the L reach effect, a video of a scene different from the match related to the SP reach described later is displayed, such as the main character training to learn a special move.

The SP reach can be executed both when there is a jackpot and when there is a miss, and is an effect that indicates whether or not a jackpot game state will occur, and suggests that there is a possibility of a jackpot game state. Furthermore, the SP reach is an effect that can be executed after, for example, an N reach, and is executed for a longer period of time than an L reach, suggesting a higher probability of a jackpot than an L reach. In the SP reach, the established reach is maintained, but the effect patterns that constitute the reach are reduced and moved to a predetermined position that does not interfere with the background image compared to the N reach (for example, the left effect pattern EZ1 described later is at the top left of the display unit 50a, and the right effect pattern EZ3 is at the top right of the display unit 50a), and the background image is switched to a dedicated SP reach image (a video dedicated to the SP reach is displayed). In the SP reach, a 3DCG image is mainly displayed on the display unit 50a. The SP reach performance involves the display of a scene in which the team to which the main character belongs plays a match against the team to which the main character's rival belongs.

Battle effects are effects that can be executed after a reach during time-saving mode, for example, and are effects that suggest a higher probability of a jackpot than normal fluctuations. In battle effects, the reach that has been achieved is maintained, but the effect symbols that make up the reach are reduced in size and moved to a specified position (for example, the left effect symbol EZ1 is at the top left of the display unit 50a, and the right effect symbol EZ3 is at the top right of the display unit 50a), and the background image switches to one that is dedicated to battle effects (videos dedicated to battle effects are played). In addition, in battle effects, 3DCG images are mainly displayed on the display unit 50a.

Note that the "reach is maintained" in the N reach, L reach, SP reach, and battle performances does not only include a state in which the performance symbols constituting the reach in the N reach, L reach, SP reach, and battle performance are visible on the display unit 50a, but also includes a state in which the performance symbols constituting the reach are difficult or impossible to see from the display unit 50a for a specified period of time in relation to a dedicated background image, for example. The performance contents of the normal variation, N reach, L reach, SP reach, and battle performances can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the performances that make up the special chart variation performance are not limited to these, and can be added or removed as appropriate.

Also, as shown in the second column from the right in the tables of Figures 11 and 12, it is possible to give names to special chart variation patterns by associating them with the results of the jackpot determination and the content of the special chart variation presentation. Special chart variation patterns related to jackpots are sometimes collectively referred to as "jackpot variations," and special chart variation patterns related to losses are sometimes collectively referred to as "loss variations."

Furthermore, a special chart variation pattern in which an SP reach occurs regardless of the jackpot determination result is sometimes collectively referred to as an "SP reach variation," a special chart variation pattern in which an L reach occurs is sometimes collectively referred to as an "L reach variation," and a special chart variation pattern in which the special chart variation performance ends with an N reach is sometimes collectively referred to as an "N reach variation." Also, a miss variation with a reach is sometimes collectively referred to as a "miss variation with reach," and a miss variation without a reach is sometimes collectively referred to as a "normal miss variation."

3-2-5. Pre-reading judgment Before making a jackpot judgment, the pachinko game machine PY can make a pre-reading judgment using, for example, a pre-reading judgment table as shown in FIG. 13 to FIG. 14 based on the acquired special chart related judgment information. The pre-reading judgment table can be associated with the type of start port (first start port 11/second start port 12) related to the start winning, in other words, the type of special chart (special chart 1/special chart 2) that is variably displayed by the start winning. That is, the pre-reading judgment table includes a first pre-reading judgment table (FIG. 13) when the first start port 11 is won and the special chart 1 is variably displayed, and a second pre-reading judgment table (FIG. 14) when the second start port 12 is won and the special chart 2 is variably displayed. Note that the pre-reading judgment based on the first pre-reading judgment table is also called the "first pre-reading judgment", and the pre-reading judgment based on the second pre-reading judgment table is also called the "second pre-reading judgment".

The look-ahead judgment table can also be associated with the game states (normal game state/high probability high base game state/low probability high base game state) described below. That is, there are look-ahead judgment tables: a look-ahead judgment table used in the normal game state (look-ahead judgment table for normal game state), a look-ahead judgment table used in the high probability high base game state (look-ahead judgment table for high probability high base game state), and a look-ahead judgment table used in the low probability high base game state (look-ahead judgment table for low probability high base game state).

In other words, the look-ahead judgment tables include a first look-ahead judgment table used in a normal game state, a first look-ahead judgment table used in a high probability high base game state, a first look-ahead judgment table used in a low probability high base game state, a second look-ahead judgment table used in a normal game state, a second look-ahead judgment table used in a high probability high base game state, and a second look-ahead judgment table used in a low probability high base game state.

The special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart that is performed in response to a winning entry into the starting hole 11, 12 is identified by the look-ahead judgment using the look-ahead judgment table shown in Figures 13 to 14. In other words, the special chart change pattern related to the variable display of the special chart is identified as the look-ahead judgment result before the variable display of the special chart based on the winning entry is performed. In the process of identifying the special chart change pattern, the hit or miss of a jackpot is also identified as the look-ahead judgment result.

The result of the look-ahead judgment, which includes information on the special symbol variation pattern, etc., is associated with the start winning command. As described below, the start winning command is transmitted to the performance control board 120 as a look-ahead judgment result when it is generated. Note that the type of information to be identified as the look-ahead judgment result can be changed as appropriate. For example, information on the type of jackpot symbol can also be included in the look-ahead judgment result.

As described above, the special chart display 81 performs variable display of the special chart by performing the jackpot determination, jackpot pattern type determination, reach determination, and special chart change pattern determination. Then, when the jackpot pattern is displayed as a stopped jackpot pattern as the display result (the result of the special chart lottery) in the variable display of the special chart, the next variable display of the special chart is not performed, and the jackpot game is executed next. Next, the jackpot game will be explained.

The jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play accompanied by the opening and closing of the jackpot opening 14, an opening (also referred to as OP) from the start of the jackpot game until the start of the first round of play, and an ending (also referred to as ED) from the end of the final round of play until the end of the jackpot game. Each round of play starts with the end of the opening or the end of the previous round of play, and ends with the start of the next round of play or the start of the ending.

It is possible not to provide an OP or ED. In the following, a predetermined number of rounds (predetermined order) will simply be referred to as a "round." For example, the first round will be referred to as "1st round (1R)," and the tenth round will be referred to as "10th round (10R)."

The pachinko game machine PY controls the jackpot game using a jackpot game control table. The jackpot game control table can be set for each type of jackpot symbol. In other words, it is possible to associate a jackpot game with a type of jackpot symbol. One type or multiple types of jackpot games can be set.

The jackpot game control table stores the elements that make up a jackpot game (jackpot game components). The jackpot game components include the number of rounds of play, the number of times the jackpot opening 14 is opened in each round of play, the type of jackpot opening and the opening time (opening pattern) for each opening, the time the opening is closed until the next opening (closing time), the opening time (opening time), and the ending time (ending time).

The pachinko game machine PY can control the jackpot game using a jackpot game control table such as that shown in FIG. 15(A). That is, it is possible to set the types of jackpot games and the jackpot game components for each jackpot game as shown in FIG. 15(A). Here, the jackpot games set in FIG. 15(A) will be described.

In the jackpot game associated with jackpot pattern A (hereinafter also referred to as the "first jackpot game"), 10 rounds of play are played. In each round of play from 1R to 10R, the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. In addition, there is an opening in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 10.0 seconds from the start of the first jackpot game until the start of the first round of play. In addition, there is an ending in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 15.0 seconds from the end of the last round of play until the end of the first jackpot game.

In the jackpot game associated with jackpot pattern B (hereinafter also referred to as the "second jackpot game"), five rounds of play are played. In each round of play from round 1 to round 5, the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. In addition, there is an opening in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 10.0 seconds from the start of the second jackpot game until the start of the first round of play. In addition, there is an ending in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 15.0 seconds from the end of the last round of play until the end of the second jackpot game.

In the jackpot game associated with jackpot pattern C (hereinafter also referred to as the "third jackpot game"), five rounds of play are played. In each round of play from round 1 to round 5, the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. In addition, there is an opening in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 10.0 seconds from the start of the third jackpot game until the start of the first round of play. In addition, there is an ending in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 15.0 seconds from the end of the final round of play until the end of the third jackpot game.

In the jackpot game associated with jackpot pattern D (hereinafter also referred to as the "fourth jackpot game"), ten rounds of play are played. In each round of play from round 1 to round 10, the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. In addition, there is an opening in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 10.0 seconds from the start of the fourth jackpot game until the start of the first round of play. In addition, there is an ending in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 15.0 seconds from the end of the final round of play until the end of the fourth jackpot game.

In the jackpot game associated with jackpot symbol E (hereinafter also referred to as the "5th jackpot game"), six rounds of play are played. In each round of play from 1R to 6R, the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. In addition, there is an opening in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 10.0 seconds from the start of the 5th jackpot game until the start of the first round of play. In addition, there is an ending in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 15.0 seconds from the end of the final round of play until the end of the 5th jackpot game.

In the jackpot game associated with jackpot symbol F (hereinafter also referred to as the "sixth jackpot game"), six rounds of play are played. In each round of play from 1R to 6R, the jackpot opening 14 is open for a maximum of 29.5 seconds per round. In addition, there is an opening in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 10.0 seconds from the start of the sixth jackpot game until the start of the first round of play. In addition, there is an ending in which the jackpot opening 14 is kept closed for 15.0 seconds from the end of the final round of play until the end of the fifth jackpot game.

In each round of play, when a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) are detected by the big prize opening sensor 14a, the big prize opening 14 is closed and the round of play ends, even before the maximum opening time of the big prize opening 14 has elapsed. In addition, the type and specific content of the big prize game components can be changed as appropriate.

In the jackpot game control table shown in FIG. 15(A), the type of jackpot game to be played is determined by the type of jackpot symbol, but the jackpot game may be played in a different way. For example, a device capable of allocating to two winning slots may be provided in the game area 6, and when one winning slot is won, only a jackpot game consisting of a predetermined number of rounds is played, while when the other winning slot is won, either a jackpot game consisting of more than the predetermined number of rounds or a jackpot game consisting of fewer than the predetermined number of rounds is played with a predetermined probability by lottery or the like.

3-4. Game states Next, the game states that the pachinko game machine PY can control will be described. The pachinko game machine PY has a jackpot game state in which a jackpot game is being played, and a non-jackpot game state in which a jackpot game is not being played. The non-jackpot game state includes a normal game state, which is a basic base game state, and a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The elements that are "advantageous to the player" in the specific game state include the jackpot probability and the ease of opening the second start hole 12. In other words, the jackpot probability and the ease of opening the second start hole 12 can be associated with the specific game state.

When the probability of winning a jackpot is favorable to the player, this means that the probability of winning a jackpot is higher than in normal gameplay conditions, making it easier to win a jackpot. Also, when the ease of opening the second starting hole 12 is favorable to the player, this means that the ease of opening the second starting hole 12 is higher than in normal gameplay conditions, making the opening time of the second starting hole 12 longer per unit time.

The specific game states can be set to three types: a first specific game state in which both the probability of a jackpot and the opening time per unit time of the second start port 12 are advantageous to the player; a second specific game state in which only the probability of a jackpot is advantageous to the player; and a third specific game state in which only the opening time per unit time of the second start port 12 is advantageous to the player. Note that it is also possible to install only some of the three specific game states in the pachinko game machine PY, rather than installing all three of these specific game states.

Here, as a partial gaming state that focuses on the jackpot probability, a state in which the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal gaming state and is favorable to the player in terms of jackpot probability is called a "high probability state." In contrast, a state in which the jackpot probability is the normal probability in the normal gaming state and is not favorable to the player in terms of jackpot probability is called a "normal probability state."

In addition, as a partial game state focusing on the opening time of the second starting hole 12 per unit time, a state in which the opening time of the second starting hole 12 per unit time is longer than in the normal game state and the ease of opening the second starting hole 12 is advantageous to the player is called a "time-saving state." In contrast, a state in which the opening time of the second starting hole 12 per unit time is the opening time in the normal game state and the ease of opening the second starting hole 12 is not advantageous to the player is called a "non-time-saving state."

Here, we will explain in detail about the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state. As mentioned above, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time per unit time compared to the non-time-saving state. In other words, in the time-saving state, it is easier to win at the second starting hole 12 than in the non-time-saving state. Here, we will explain a specific method for making it easier to win at the second starting hole 12 in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state.

For example, by making the time-saving state a state in which the normal map change time is more likely to be shorter than in the non-time-saving state, it is possible to make it easier to win at the second starting hole 12 in the time-saving state. For example, as mentioned above, regardless of the result of the hit determination, in the time-saving state, a normal map change time (5.0 seconds) shorter than the normal map change time (30.0 seconds) determined in the non-time-saving state is determined. As a result, the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time is greater in the time-saving state. In this case, regardless of the difference between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state, if the probability of winning in the hit determination and the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary play are the same, the opening time of the electric chute 12D per unit time will be longer by the amount of the number of times the normal map lottery is executed per unit time.

In addition, by making the time that the electric chute 12D is open for a longer period of time in one auxiliary play in the time-saving state compared to the non-time-saving state, it is possible to make it easier to win in the second starting hole 12 in the time-saving state. For example, as mentioned above, in the non-time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for 0.2 seconds in one auxiliary play, whereas in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a total of 5.0 seconds in one auxiliary play. In this case, regardless of the difference between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state, if the probability of winning in the hit judgment and the normal chart fluctuation time are the same, the number of times auxiliary play is performed per unit time will be the same, so the opening time of the electric chute 12D per unit time will be longer by the amount that the opening time of the electric chute 12D in one auxiliary play is longer.

Furthermore, by making the time-saving state a state in which a hit is more likely to be determined in a hit judgment than in a non-time-saving state, it is possible to make it easier to win in the second starting hole 12 in the time-saving state. For example, as described above, in the non-time-saving state, the hit judgment has a probability of 6600/65536, whereas in the time-saving state, the hit judgment has a probability of 59936/65536. In this case, regardless of the difference between the non-time-saving state and the time-saving state, if the opening time of the electric chute 12D and the normal chart fluctuation time in one auxiliary play are the same, the probability of a hit being determined in the hit judgment is higher, so the number of hit judgments per unit time increases, and the opening time of the electric chute 12D per unit time becomes longer.

In this way, the three conditions that it is easier to win a jackpot in the time-saving state than in the non-time-saving state, the normal chart fluctuation time is likely to be shorter, and the open time of the electric chute 12D during one auxiliary play is likely to be longer are met, so in the time-saving state, the open time of the electric chute 12D per unit time is longer than in the non-time-saving state, making it easier to win a jackpot in the second starting hole 12. As a result, the so-called "base," which is the ratio of the number of winning balls to the number of balls fired, becomes higher. Therefore, in the time-saving state with a high base, it is possible to aim for a jackpot without significantly reducing the number of game balls in your possession compared to the normal play state. In other words, it can be said that the time-saving state is more advantageous for the player than the non-time-saving state.

In the time-saving state, it is also acceptable for only some of the three conditions for the second starting hole 12 to be open for a longer time per unit time to be met, rather than for all of them to be met. Ultimately, in the time-saving state, the electric chute 12D is open for a longer time per unit time compared to the non-time-saving state, so that it is easier to win at the second starting hole 12.

In addition, in the time-saving state, it is possible to make it easier to select a special chart change pattern with a shorter special chart change time than in the non-time-saving state, so that the number of times the special chart variable display is executed per unit time is reduced or the average special chart change time is lower. As a result, in the time-saving state, the pace at which special chart reservations are consumed is faster, making it easier for valid winnings at the starting gate (winnings that can be stored as special chart reservations) to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a jackpot while playing smoothly.

In the following, the first specific gaming state will be referred to as the "high probability high base gaming state," the second specific gaming state as the "high probability low base gaming state," and the third specific gaming state as the "low probability high base gaming state," in relation to the advantageous nature of each specific gaming state for the player. Furthermore, the normal gaming state will be referred to as the "low probability low base gaming state."

Therefore, the low probability low base game state can be said to be a game state controlled by the normal probability state and the non-time-saving state. Similarly, the low probability high base game state can be said to be a game state controlled by the normal probability state and the time-saving state, the high probability low base game state can be said to be a game state controlled by the high probability state and the non-time-saving state, and the high probability high base game state can be said to be a game state controlled by the high probability state and the time-saving state.

In this way, the pachinko game machine PY can be controlled in a low probability low base game state, a low probability high base game state, a high probability low base game state, a high probability high base game state, and a jackpot game state. In the jackpot game state, the big prize opening 14 is open for a long period of time, and a large number of game balls can be obtained, so the jackpot game state can also be said to be an advantageous game state for the player. Therefore, the jackpot game state and the specific game state can also be said to be "advantageous game states" that are more advantageous to the player than the normal game state.

The high probability high base game state and the high probability low base game state are game states that are more advantageous to the player than the low probability low base game state in that the probability of a jackpot is higher than in the normal probability state. The high probability high base game state and the low probability high base game state are also game states that are more advantageous to the player than the low probability low base game state in that the ease of winning in the second start port 12 is higher than in the non-time-saving state. Furthermore, in the jackpot game state, the large winning port 14, which opens more winning balls per winning than the first start port 11 and the second start port 12, opens, so the jackpot game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the low probability low base game state.

When the power supply of the pachinko game machine PY is turned on, the normal game state is set first. The jackpot game state is set when the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, the specific game state is set when a jackpot is won and a jackpot game is executed. Next, the setting of the specific game state will be explained.

3-5. Setting of a specific game state The pachinko game machine PY can set a new specific game state when a jackpot game ends. In other words, after a jackpot game, the game can be controlled and progressed in the specific game state. The duration of this specific game state can be set appropriately. For example, the specific game state can be continued until the next jackpot is won. In addition, the duration for which the specific game state can continue can also be limited.

When limiting the duration of a specific game state, the specific game state can be ended when an end condition for the duration is met. Then, when the specific game state ends, a normal game state can be set. Also, for a high-probability, high-base game state, when an end condition is met, a low-probability, high-base game state or a high-probability, low-base game state can be set. In this case, the newly set low-probability, high-base game state or high-probability, low-base game state may be continued until the next big win is won. Also, the same or different end condition may be set for the newly set low-probability, high-base game state or high-probability, low-base game state, and when the end condition is met, a normal game state may be set.

In addition, the termination conditions for the duration of the specific game state can be set appropriately. For example, the number of times the special chart variable display is executed can be set as the termination condition. Furthermore, the termination conditions are not limited to the number of times the special chart variable display is executed, but can also be the time elapsed after a jackpot game, the number of game balls released after a jackpot game, the number of times passing through gate 13 after a jackpot game, or the derivation of the result of a lottery to determine whether or not to terminate the specific game state (the so-called "fall lottery"). Furthermore, these elements may be set as termination conditions individually, or in combination.

These termination conditions may be set to the same for all specific game states that can be set after a jackpot game, or may be set for some of the specific game states that can be set. Furthermore, the termination conditions may be different for each specific game state.

Furthermore, the specific game state controlled after the jackpot game, the presence or absence of the end condition, and the contents of the end condition can be associated with the jackpot symbol type related to the jackpot game. For example, when the jackpot symbol type is set as described above, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the game may be controlled in a high probability high base game state after the end of the jackpot game related to the jackpot symbol A, the jackpot symbol B, and the jackpot symbol D. Here, the high probability high base game state can be continued until the jackpot is won without setting an end condition. Furthermore, the game may be controlled in a low probability high base game state after the end of the jackpot game related to the jackpot symbol C and the jackpot symbol E. Here, an end condition can be set for this low probability high base game state, and the end condition can be set to 100 times of variable display of special symbols. Note that the relationship between the jackpot type symbol and the specific game state controlled after the jackpot game, the presence or absence of the end condition, and the contents of the end condition is one example, and is not limited to this.

Also, focusing on the gaming profit of a jackpot, a jackpot in which the game progresses in a high probability state after the jackpot play is also called a "high probability jackpot." Furthermore, a jackpot in which the game progresses in a high probability state and time-saving state after the jackpot play is also called a "variable jackpot." In addition, a jackpot in which the game progresses in a normal probability state and time-saving state after the jackpot play is also called a "time-saving jackpot."

4. Main Effects of the Gaming Machine Next, the main effects performed by the pachinko gaming machine PY will be described with reference to FIGS.

4-1. Presentation mode First, the presentation mode will be described. The presentation mode is a category of presentation (or a higher conceptual attribute). The pachinko game machine PY can set the following presentation modes: a customer waiting presentation mode, a normal presentation mode, a probability variation presentation mode, a time-saving presentation mode, and a big win presentation mode.

The customer waiting performance mode can be set when the special chart variable display is not performed in the "low probability low base game state", "low probability high base game state", "high probability low base game state" and "high probability high base game state", and is a performance mode that indicates a standby state in which the special chart variable display is not performed. When the customer waiting performance mode is set, the customer waiting performance is performed. In the customer waiting performance, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 (A), a customer waiting demo video G100 introducing the pachinko game machine PY is displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, when the first performance button 40k is operated while the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed, a setting screen G101 for setting the performance of the pachinko game machine PY is displayed as shown in FIG. 16 (B). The settings related to the performance include the volume setting of the sound output from the speaker 52, the brightness setting of the display unit 50a, and the frequency setting of the performance to be executed. The items of the settings related to the performance can be set appropriately. Additionally, the setting screen G101 can be prevented from being displayed by the player during the customer waiting demo video G100.

The normal presentation mode can be set in the "low probability low base game state" and is a presentation mode that indicates a normal game state. Furthermore, multiple lower-level presentation modes that belong to the normal presentation mode can be provided. For example, a first normal presentation mode, a second normal presentation mode, and a third normal presentation mode can be provided as lower-level presentation modes that belong to the normal presentation mode.

In the following, the lower hierarchical presentation modes belonging to the presentation modes are also referred to as "presentation stages". Accordingly, the first normal presentation mode is also referred to as the "first normal presentation stage", the second normal presentation mode is also referred to as the "second normal presentation stage", and the third normal presentation mode is also referred to as the "third normal presentation stage". In addition, unless there are special circumstances, the presentation mode that is set when the special chart variation display is first started after the power of the pachinko game machine PY is turned on is basically the first normal presentation stage (first normal presentation mode). However, the type of presentation mode that is set initially is not particularly limited and may be changed as appropriate.

When multiple presentation stages belonging to the normal presentation mode are provided in this way, the presentation stages can be switched in sequence repeatedly when a specific switching condition is met. The switching condition can be set as appropriate, but for example, the switching condition can be set to a specific number of special chart variable presentations being performed without winning a jackpot. Furthermore, the switching condition can also be set to a specific presentation being executed, such as a special chart variable presentation based on a SP reach miss fluctuation.

As will be described later, a reach may occur during the special chart change performance, but the special chart change performance can be divided into the entire section of the special chart change performance when a reach does not occur, the early part before the reach is established when a reach occurs, and the late part after the reach is established when a reach occurs. Note that the early part is composed of the "normal change" mentioned above.

In the first part of the first normal performance stage, the display unit 50a displays a background image (FIG. 17(A): first normal background image G111) that mainly shows the scenery of a city. In the first part of the second normal performance stage, the display unit 50a displays a background image (FIG. 17(B): second normal background image G112) that mainly shows the grounds of a baseball field. In the first part of the third normal performance stage, the display unit 50a displays a background image (FIG. 17(C): third normal background image G113) that mainly shows the inside of a restaurant. On the other hand, in the latter parts of the first to third normal performance stages, the first normal background image G111, the second normal background image G112, and the third normal background image G113 are not displayed, and a dedicated background image according to the type of reach in the normal performance mode is displayed.

The dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach in the normal presentation mode may be a common background image for the normal presentation mode regardless of the type of presentation stage, or may be a different background image for each presentation stage.

Also, the normal presentation mode may be set in the "high probability low base game state", and the normal presentation mode may be a presentation mode that indicates a non-time-saving state. Alternatively, a predetermined presentation mode that is set only in the "high probability low base game state" and is different from the normal presentation mode may be provided. Furthermore, a predetermined presentation mode different from the normal presentation mode may be set in a low probability low base game state that occurs under certain conditions, and in a high probability low base game state.

The high probability high base game mode can be set in the "high probability high base game state" and is a game mode that indicates that the game is in a high probability high base game state. In the first part of the high probability game mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 17(D), a background image representing space (high probability game background image G120) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and high probability game background music is output from the speaker 52. In addition, in the second part of the high probability game mode, a dedicated background image corresponding to the type of reach in the high probability game mode is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode can be set in the "low probability high base game state" or the "high probability high base game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that the game is in either the low probability high base game state or the high probability high base game state, and is at least in the time-saving state. In the first part of the time-saving presentation mode, for example, as shown in FIG. 17(E), a background image showing the sky (time-saving background image G130) is displayed on the display unit 50a, and time-saving background music is output from the speaker 52. In addition, in the second part of the time-saving presentation mode, a dedicated background image according to the type of reach in the time-saving presentation mode is displayed.

The time-saving presentation mode can be set only in a low-probability, high-base game state, and can also be set as a presentation mode that indicates that the game is in a low-probability, high-base game state.

Furthermore, for either or both of the probability variation presentation mode and the time-saving presentation mode, multiple presentation stages for that presentation mode may be provided, similar to the normal presentation mode, and the presentation stage may be switched when a predetermined switching condition is met.

The jackpot presentation mode is a presentation mode that can be set when a jackpot game is being played in the "jackpot game state", and is a presentation mode that indicates that a jackpot game is being played. In the jackpot presentation mode, for example, during the opening of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18(A), a jackpot opening presentation is performed in which an opening image G1 suggesting the start of a jackpot game and a right-hit image G2 encouraging a "right hit" are displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, during the opening, a background image (opening background image G200) according to the type of jackpot game is displayed on the display unit 50a in the background of the opening image G1 and right-hit image G2 as a jackpot opening presentation.

In the jackpot presentation mode, during a round of play in a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18(B), the right-hit image G2 is displayed continuously from the opening on the display unit 50a, and a round image G3 indicating the number of rounds and a prize ball number image G4 indicating the number of prize balls paid out are displayed on the display unit 50a. In addition, during a round of play, a background image (round background image G201) corresponding to the type of jackpot game is displayed on the display unit 50a as a background of the right-hit image G2, round image G3, and prize ball number image G4, and background music corresponding to the type of jackpot game is output from the speaker 52.

Furthermore, during the ending of a jackpot game, as shown in FIG. 18(C), a jackpot ending presentation is performed on the display unit 50a, in which an ending image G5 suggesting the presentation mode that will be set after the jackpot game and a total number of winning balls image G6 suggesting the total number of winning balls paid out are displayed. In addition, during the ending, a background image (ending background image G202) according to the type of jackpot game is displayed on the display unit 50a as the background of the ending image G5 and the total number of winning balls image G6 as a jackpot ending presentation.

In the following, the jackpot opening effect, the round effect, and the jackpot ending effect are collectively referred to as the "jackpot game effect" as the effects executed in the jackpot game. In other words, the jackpot game effect is performed in the jackpot effect mode.

4-2. Special chart variation performance Next, the special chart variation performance will be described. When the variable display of the special chart is started, the pachinko game machine PY executes the special chart variation performance based on the special chart variation pattern related to the variable display of the special chart and the special chart lottery result (the big win determination result, the big win pattern type determination result, the reach determination result, and the special chart variation pattern determination result).

In the special chart change performance, the display unit 50a displays the change in the performance pattern superimposed on a specified background image. In the change display of the performance pattern, the performance pattern changes and then stops. In other words, after the special chart change time and the change display of the performance pattern are performed, the change stops and the performance pattern is displayed as stopped. And basically, the result of the special chart lottery is announced by the stopped display of the performance pattern.

In addition, in the special chart change performance performed on the display unit 50a, it is possible to use images other than the change display of the performance pattern. Furthermore, in addition to the image display device 50 including the display unit 50a, it is possible to perform the special chart change performance using various performance devices such as a speaker 52, a frame lamp 53, a board moving device 55, a first performance button device 40, and a second performance button device 41.

Next, we will explain the performance patterns displayed on the display unit 50a in the special chart variable performance executed in response to the special chart variable display. The performance patterns are also identification information for indicating the special chart lottery result, and multiple types of performance patterns are provided. In detail, one of the components of the performance pattern constitutes the identification information for indicating the special chart lottery result, and multiple types of performance patterns are provided depending on the difference in that identification information.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19(A), nine performance patterns can be provided, each consisting of the numbers 1 to 9. The performance pattern including the number "1" is designated as performance pattern G10a. Similarly, the performance patterns including the numbers "2" to "9" are designated as performance patterns G10b to G10e. For convenience, when individual performance patterns are treated interchangeably, they are collectively referred to as "performance pattern G10".

The number parts of the performance patterns G10c and G10g relating to "3" and "7" are red, and the number parts of the performance patterns G10a, G10b, G10d, G10e, G10f, G10h, and G10i relating to "1", "2", "4", "5", "6", "8", and "9" are blue. In other words, color is included as a component of the performance pattern G10. Note that the configuration of the performance pattern G10 and what is set as the identification information may be changed as appropriate. For example, other components such as characters associated with each number may be added to the performance pattern G10.

Next, the performance pattern display area for displaying the performance pattern G10 will be described. For example, as shown in FIG. 19(B), the display unit 50a can be divided horizontally into three approximately equal parts, with the left, center, and right parts being the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, and the right performance pattern area 50b3. The performance pattern G10 is displayed in each of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, and the right performance pattern area 50b3.

And, mainly in the early part of the special chart change performance, the performance pattern G10 displayed in the left performance pattern area 50b1 is collectively referred to as "left performance pattern EZ1", the performance pattern G10 displayed in the middle performance pattern area 50b2 is collectively referred to as "middle performance pattern EZ2", and the performance pattern G10 displayed in the right performance pattern area 50b3 is collectively referred to as "right performance pattern EZ3". That is, the performance pattern G10 consisting of the numbers 1 to 9 is displayed in the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, and the right performance pattern area 50b3 in common, but when distinguishing the performance patterns G10 by their relative display positions, they are written as left performance pattern EZ1, middle performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3.

As will be described later, in the special chart variation performance, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a variable manner, but ultimately, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a manner that indicates the special chart lottery result (jackpot determination result, jackpot pattern type, reach determination result). When a jackpot is announced as the special chart lottery result, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state so that three performance symbols G10 of the same number are lined up horizontally (so-called "double numbers"). Therefore, in the following, the performance symbols G10 consisting of the same numbers that constitute the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 that are displayed in a stopped state when announcing a jackpot are referred to as "jackpot performance symbols". For example, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a stopped state as "7-7-7", the jackpot performance symbol is "performance symbol G10g", and when they are displayed in a stopped state as "9-9-9", the jackpot performance symbol is "performance symbol G10i". Furthermore, the jackpot performance symbols may be abbreviated by the numbers included in the performance symbols. For example, if the jackpot performance symbol is "performance symbol G10g", the jackpot performance symbol will be "7", and if the jackpot performance symbol is "performance symbol G10i", the jackpot performance symbol will be "9". As described later, in the special chart variation performance, the special chart lottery result is completely shown when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are definitely stopped and displayed. However, basically, in the middle of the special chart variation performance, before the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are definitely stopped and displayed, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are provisionally stopped (provisionally stopped). This is because the contents of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 that were once provisionally stopped and displayed may change. For example, after the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily displayed in a manner indicating a certain jackpot (relatively unfavorable to the player), they may change to a manner indicating another jackpot (relatively favorable to the player). Therefore, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily displayed in a manner indicating a jackpot in this way for the first time (before being changed), the performance symbols G10 consisting of the same numbers that make up the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are also referred to as "jackpot performance symbols."

In addition, in the special chart change performance, the change display of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 is performed, but in the middle of the change display of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, a reach may be performed in which the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 are temporarily stopped (provisionally stopped) at the performance symbol G10 of the same number. As described later, a reach is a performance that suggests the possibility of a jackpot game state, and the reaching increases the chance of a jackpot. Therefore, the performance symbol G10 consisting of the same number that constitutes the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 related to the reach is called a "reach performance symbol." For example, when the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 are temporarily stopped at the performance symbol G10a of "1", the reach performance symbol is "performance symbol G10a", and when they are temporarily stopped at the performance symbol G10a of "3", the reach performance symbol is "performance symbol G10c". Furthermore, the reach performance pattern may be abbreviated by the number included in the performance pattern. For example, if the reach performance pattern is "performance pattern G10a", the reach performance pattern is abbreviated to "1", and if the reach performance pattern is "performance pattern G10c", the reach performance pattern is abbreviated to "3".

As shown in FIG. 19(B), a small pattern area 50c for variably displaying small patterns can be provided in a section at the left end (lower left corner) of the lower end of the display section 50a. In the small pattern area 50c, the small patterns can be variably displayed according to the variable display of the special pattern. The design of the small patterns can be set as appropriate, and for example, the number portion of the performance pattern G10 can be directly reduced to form the small pattern.

In FIG. 19(B), the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c are clearly indicated by dashed lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the left performance pattern area 50b1, the middle performance pattern area 50b2, the right performance pattern area 50b3, and the small pattern area 50c, and is not actually displayed.

As mentioned above, the effects that make up the presentation flow of the special chart change presentation include normal changes, N reaches, L reaches, SP reaches, and battle presentations. Some of these will be explained here.

4-2-1. Normal change In the special pattern change performance, the pachinko game machine PY can perform a normal change first. The normal change functions as a performance that suggests that the variable display of the special pattern has started. Next, the normal change will be explained in detail. In addition, as small patterns, the left small pattern KZ1, the middle small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 corresponding to the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are variably displayed in the small pattern area 50c.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20(A), on the display unit 50a, the left performance pattern EZ1, the middle performance pattern EZ2, and the right performance pattern EZ3 are displayed frozen, while the left small pattern KZ1, the medium and small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 are displayed frozen. The special pattern is not being displayed in a variable manner, and when the variable display of the special pattern is started from a state in which the variable display of the special pattern is waiting, the special pattern variable display starts with the start, as shown in FIG. 20(B). Specifically, the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 starts, and the variable display of the left small pattern KZ1, the medium and small pattern KZ2, and the right small pattern KZ3 starts.

The display mode of the change display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the display mode of the change display of the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 can be made different. For example, the change display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 can be made by scrolling each of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 from the top to the bottom of the display unit 50a, and the change display of the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 can be made by switching each of the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 one after another in a fixed position. Note that the display mode of the change display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the display mode of the change display of the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 can be made the same.

In addition, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 change at high speed immediately after the display begins. While the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 are being displayed changing at high speed, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 are basically displayed with a transparency that allows the images in the background, such as background images G111 to G114, to be easily seen.

If the special chart change pattern of the special chart variable display is a special chart change pattern with no reach and no miss (for example, normal miss change), no reach will occur, and as the special chart variable display ends (special chart stop display), the stop display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 will be performed with a miss number (so-called "barake number") that is specific to a no-reach miss.

For example, as the display of the stop symbols EZ1 to EZ3 progresses, first, as shown in Figure 20(C), the left symbol EZ1 temporarily stops (provisionally stops) in approximately the center position in the vertical direction, then, as shown in Figure 20(D), the right symbol EZ3 temporarily stops (provisionally stops) in approximately the center position in the vertical direction, and then, as shown in Figure 20(E), the middle symbol EZ2 temporarily stops (provisionally stops) in approximately the center position in the vertical direction.

And finally, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, which are temporarily stopped (provisionally stopped) in a horizontal line approximately in the center vertically, all come to a complete stop as shown in Figure 20 (F), and their stopping is confirmed (the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed as stopped). When the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, which were temporarily stopped (provisionally stopped), come to a complete stop with a sparse pattern, that is, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed as definitely stopped, the three small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 come to a complete stop with the same sparse pattern as the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, and the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 are also displayed as stopped.

Note that when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily stopped, it means that the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 do not move significantly like a scrolling display, but rather sway slightly or move back and forth slightly in place. Therefore, strictly speaking, the state in which the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily stopped is different from the state in which the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are definitely stopped, but these temporary and definite stopped displays are sometimes referred to as "stopped displays" in a broad sense. Also, in the example of Figure 20, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are stopped, the performance symbols stop in the order of left performance symbol EZ1 → right performance symbol EZ3 → center performance symbol EZ2, but the stopping order (method) is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate.

4-2-2. Reach Next, the establishment of a reach will be explained. Even if the special chart variable display pattern of the special chart is a reach-miss special chart variable pattern (for example, N miss variation), basically, in the same way as the above-mentioned case of no reach, in the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 21 (A), the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are definitely displayed as stopped, and the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 are displayed as stopped, and the variable display of the special chart starts, and as shown in FIG. 21 (B), the variable display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 starts, and the variable display of the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 starts.

After that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 21(C), the left performance pattern EZ1 for the number "5" stops provisionally (temporarily stopped) in approximately the vertical center position, and then, as shown in FIG. 21(D), the right performance pattern EZ3 for the same number "5" stops provisionally (temporarily stopped) in a horizontal line in approximately the vertical center position, and a reach is established. When a reach is established, an image (reach establishment suggestion image) G11 is displayed indicating that a reach has been established. Note that even if a reach is established with the left performance pattern EZ1 and the right performance pattern EZ3, the variable display of the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 continues.

In addition, in the example of Figure 21, when a reach is achieved, the performance symbols temporarily stop (provisionally stop) in the order of left performance symbol EZ1 → right performance symbol EZ3, but the order (method) of the temporary stops is not limited to this and can be set as appropriate. In addition, the number of the performance symbols that make up the reach is not limited to "5". In addition, the position where they temporarily stop (provisionally stop) is not limited to approximately the center position in the vertical direction. In addition, the direction in which the performance symbols that make up the reach are lined up is not limited to the horizontal direction and may be other directions such as diagonal.

In this way, the entire period of the special chart change performance in the case of a miss without a reach, and the section from the start of the special chart change performance to the time the reach is established in the case of a reach, can be considered as normal change. However, the time until the reach is established can be set appropriately based on the special chart change pattern, etc. Furthermore, it is also possible to execute various preview performances such as so-called "pseudo consecutive wins," cut-in previews, and dialogue previews before the reach is established. Alternatively, it is also possible to enter a so-called "zone" before the reach is established.

4-2-3. N Reach When a reach is established after a normal variation, the pachinko game machine PY can perform an N reach. The N reach is a performance that suggests that the result of the special drawing may be a "jackpot" and functions as a performance to make the player expect a jackpot. Next, the N reach will be specifically explained.

When a reach is achieved, an N reach is performed from that point, as shown in, for example, FIG. 21(D). In an N reach, the state when the reach is achieved is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds), as shown in FIG. 22(A). When an N reach begins, the medium performance pattern EZ2, which is changing (scrolling) at high speed in the normal mode, gradually slows down, as shown in FIG. 22(B).

When the special pattern change pattern of the variable display of the special pattern is a special pattern change pattern with a reach and a miss (for example, an N miss change), the center performance pattern EZ2 is temporarily stopped (provisionally stopped) at approximately the center position in the vertical direction from the state where the reach is established, and a stop display of the performance pattern indicating a miss is performed. At this time, since the reach is established, as shown in FIG. 22 (C-1), the center performance pattern EZ2 consisting of a number different from the numbers that constitute the reach ("4" in FIG. 22 (C-1)) is temporarily stopped. Then, with the end of the variable display of the special pattern (stop display of the special pattern), as shown in FIG. 22 (D), the provisional stop state becomes a completely stopped state, and the left performance pattern EZ1, center performance pattern EZ2, and right performance pattern EZ3 are stopped and displayed with a miss number specific to the reach and miss.

In addition, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, which have been temporarily stopped (provisionally stopped), come to a complete stop with a miss that is specific to a reach-with-miss, in other words, when the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed as having stopped, the three small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 all stop with the same miss that is specific to a reach-with-miss as the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3, and the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 are also displayed as having stopped. Note that the content of the N reach can be changed or added as appropriate.

If the special chart change performance does not end with the N reach, the remaining middle performance pattern EZ2 that has not stopped may change again at high speed, as shown in Figure 22 (C-2), and the reach may develop (switch) from N reach to L reach or SP reach while maintaining the reach.

4-2-4. L Reach The pachinko game machine PY can perform an L reach after an N reach. The L reach is a performance that suggests that the result of the special drawing is more likely to be a "jackpot" than the N reach, and functions as a performance to make the player expect a jackpot. The established reach is maintained even in the L reach, but for example, as shown in FIG. 23(A), at the start of the L reach, the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3 that constitute the reach are reduced and moved to a predetermined position that does not overlap with the small pattern area 50c in the display unit 50a (for example, the left performance pattern EZ1 is at the top left of the display unit 50a, and the right performance pattern EZ3 is at the top right of the display unit 50a).

At the start of an L reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 23(A), a background image dedicated to L reach (background image for L reach G114) is displayed on the display unit 50a. The background image for L reach G114 is composed of a video in which a specific story unfolds. The content of the story of the video related to the background image for L reach G114 can be set appropriately, but in a basic embodiment, it is composed of the main character confessing his love to a girl.

When the L reach background image G114 is displayed, it first starts with a scene in which the main character is waiting for a girl at a certain meeting place, as shown in Figure 23 (A). Then, as shown in Figure 23 (B), the girl appears at the meeting place. At this time, the middle performance pattern EZ2 appears in approximately the center of the display unit 50a, with the performance pattern of the number "5" that is part of the reach and the performance pattern of the number "4" that is not part of the reach, and slowly rotates from the back to the front and back again.

While the number "4" and number "5" performance symbols continue to rotate, the Suri related to the L reach background image G114 progresses. Then, as shown in FIG. 23(C), the scene where the main character confesses his love to the girl is reached. At this time, in the approximate center of the display unit 50a, the number "5" performance symbol constituting the reach and the number "4" performance symbol not constituting the reach collide with each other in an attempt to knock the other away. Since the number "5" performance symbol constitutes the reach and the number "4" performance symbol does not constitute the reach, when the number "4" performance symbol is knocked away and the number "5" performance symbol remains, the stop display of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 in a mode indicating a big win is established, whereas when the number "5" performance symbol is knocked away and the number "4" performance symbol remains, the stop display of the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 in a mode indicating a reach miss is established. Therefore, the scene in FIG. 23(C) is the final stage of the L reach, and constitutes a branching point (a so-called "win/lose branching point") where either a performance suggesting a jackpot (a jackpot suggestion performance) will be executed, or a performance suggesting a miss (a miss suggestion performance) will be executed.

When the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a jackpot change (L jackpot change) at the winning/losing branching point, as shown in FIG. 24 (A-1), a close-up of a smiling girl is displayed on the display unit 50a, and then, as shown in FIG. 24 (B-1), the main character is displayed looking happy about his successful confession, and a predetermined sound effect is output from the speaker 52. At this time, the left performance pattern EZ1 and right performance pattern EZ3 of the number "5" that constitute the reach are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display unit 50a, along with the number "5" center performance pattern EZ2 that constitutes the reach. In other words, the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed provisionally stopped in a state indicating a jackpot.

The display of the main character who is happy about his successful confession and the output of a specified sound effect constitute a jackpot suggestion effect. After the jackpot suggestion effect, as shown in FIG. 24 (C-1), the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 is performed in a manner indicating a jackpot.

On the other hand, if the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a reach miss change (L miss change) after the winning/losing branch point, no big win suggestion effect is performed, and instead, in the L reach background image G114, as shown in FIG. 24 (A-2), a close-up of a girl with a sad expression is displayed on the display unit 50a, and then, as shown in FIG. 24 (B-2), the main character is displayed looking disappointed after failing to confess his feelings. At this time, the left effect pattern EZ1 and right effect pattern EZ3 of the number "5" that constitute the reach are displayed in a provisionally stopped state in the center of the display unit 50a, along with the number "5" that does not constitute the reach. In other words, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed in a provisionally stopped state indicating a reach miss.

The display of the main character, who is disappointed after failing to confess, constitutes a failure indication effect. After the failure indication effect, as shown in FIG. 24 (C-2), the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 is performed with a failure number for the reach.

4-2-5. SP Reach In addition, the pachinko game machine PY can perform an SP Reach after an N Reach. The SP Reach is a performance that suggests that the result of the special drawing is more likely to be a "jackpot" than the L Reach, and functions as a performance to make the player expect a jackpot. In addition, the established Reach is maintained even in the SP Reach, but for example, as shown in FIG. 25(A), at the start of the SP Reach, the performance patterns EZ1 and EZ3 that constitute the Reach are reduced and moved to a predetermined position that does not overlap with the small pattern area 50c in the display unit 50a (for example, the left performance pattern EZ1 is at the top left of the display unit 50a, and the right performance pattern EZ3 is at the top right of the display unit 50a).

At the start of an SP reach, for example, as shown in FIG. 25(A), a background image dedicated to the SP reach (SP reach background image G115) is displayed on the display unit 50a. The SP reach background image G115 is composed of a video in which a specific story unfolds. The content of the story of the video related to the SP reach background image G115 can be set as appropriate, but in a basic embodiment, it is composed of a showdown between a main character and an enemy character who is the rival of the main character. The main character is a baseball pitcher, and the enemy character is a baseball batter, and the two characters face off in the roles of pitcher and batter in a baseball game.

When the SP reach background image G115 is displayed, first, as shown in FIG. 25(A), an enemy character appears, and then, as shown in FIG. 25(B), an image indicating that the SP reach has started (SP reach start title image) G11 is displayed in the center of the display unit 50a. The SP reach start title image G11 is composed of a title image G11a indicating the title of the SP reach "In FIG. 25(B), 'Strike out the enemy batter XX!!'" and an effect image G11b that enhances the title image G11a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 25(C), a scene is displayed in which the main character and the enemy character face off against each other. After that, in the SP reach background image G115, as shown in FIG. 26(A), the main character throws the ball, as shown in FIG. 26(B), the ball moves toward the enemy character, as shown in FIG. 26(C), and the enemy character begins to swing the bat, as shown in FIG. 26(C). Next, as shown in FIG. 26(D), the ball and the bat approach each other, and a scene is reached in which the showdown between the main character and the enemy character is about to be decided. This scene constitutes a branching point (win/lose branching point) where the main character wins the showdown between pitcher and batter, suggesting a big win, or loses, suggesting a miss.

After this winning/losing turning point, if the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a jackpot change (SP jackpot change), as shown in FIG. 27 (A-1), the display unit 50a will display the enemy character swinging and missing to win the match, and then as shown in FIG. 27 (B-1), the main character will be displayed striking out the enemy character and letting out a roar on the mound, and a predetermined sound effect will be output from the speaker 52. At this time, the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily displayed in a manner indicating a jackpot.

The display of the main character roaring in victory and the output of a specified sound effect constitute the big win indication performance. After the big win indication performance, as shown in FIG. 27 (C-1), the display patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 are stopped in a manner indicating a big win.

On the other hand, if the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a reach miss change (SP miss change) after the winning/losing turning point, no big win suggestion effect is performed, and in the SP reach background image G115, as shown in FIG. 27 (A-2), the enemy character hits a home run and loses the showdown, and as shown in FIG. 27 (B-2), the main character appears dejected on the mound. At this time, the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are temporarily stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a reach miss.

The display of the main character looking dejected after losing the match constitutes the miss indication effect. After the miss indication effect, as shown in FIG. 27 (C-2), the stop display of the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3 and the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 is performed with a miss for the reach.

Next, we will explain the movable body effects and operation effects that are performed in the special chart change effects. The movable body effects and operation effects may be performed as part of the aforementioned SP reach, L reach, and N reach, as well as jackpot game effects, by being incorporated into these effects, or they may be performed independently of these effects. First, we will explain the movable body effects.

The pachinko game machine PY can perform a moving body performance involving the movement of a moving body at a predetermined timing in a predetermined performance such as a special chart change performance or a big win game performance. The moving body performance is a performance using a moving device such as the board moving device 55, and functions as a performance that suggests the expectation of a big win or the development to a SP reach.

For example, when the movable body performance functions as a performance suggesting the development to SP Reach, as shown in FIG. 28(A), when the special chart change performance develops from N Reach to SP Reach, first, as shown in FIG. 28(B), the board movable device 55 is activated, and the board movable body 55k is lowered to the operating position when viewed from the front, and is held in that position for a predetermined time. Furthermore, at this time, an effect image G13 accompanying the operation of the board movable body 55k is also displayed on the entire display unit 50a. Then, as shown in FIG. 28(C), the effect image G13 is erased, the board movable body 55k is raised to the standby position, and the board movable device 55 returns to its normal standby state. When the board movable device 55 returns to its normal standby state, the performance develops to SP Reach. Note that the operation contents of the movable device in the movable body performance can be changed or added as appropriate.

4-4. Operation Presentation Next, the operation presentation will be explained. The pachinko game machine PY can perform operation presentations including operation promotion presentations and operation result presentations corresponding to the operation of the first presentation button 40k, the second presentation button 41k, etc., at a predetermined timing in a predetermined presentation such as a special chart change presentation or a big win game presentation. The operation promotion presentation is a presentation that encourages the player to operate the operation means, and the operation result presentation is a presentation that is performed according to the operation of the operation means in the operation promotion presentation, and each of them functions as a presentation that makes the player expect a big win.

For example, as described above, when a winning/losing branch point is reached in an L reach or SP reach, a period during which pressing the first effect button 40k is valid (valid operation period) occurs, and with the occurrence of this valid operation period, an effect is performed that encourages the operation of the first effect button 40k (operation promotion effect), as shown in FIG. 29 (A).

In the operation promotion performance, a first button operation promotion performance image G12 is displayed on the display unit 50a. The first button operation promotion performance image G12 includes an image (operation target image) G12a representing the first button 40k to be operated, an image (press operation image) G12b representing the operation mode (i.e., press operation) of the first button 40k, and an image (remaining valid operation period image) G12c representing the remaining time of the valid operation period (valid operation period) for operating the first button 40k.

The remaining valid operation period image G12c is made up of a roughly curved progress bar, and changes over time so that the player can easily understand the remaining time of the valid operation period. Figure 29(B) shows the state when the valid operation period has occurred and 1/3 of the valid operation period has passed.

When the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a jackpot change (SP jackpot change), the operation result display is performed after the first performance button 40k is pressed during the effective operation period, or after the remaining time of the effective operation period runs out without the first performance button 40k being operated during the effective operation period.

As an operation result presentation, for example, as shown in FIG. 29(C), the board moving device 55 is activated, the board moving body 55k descends to the operating position and is held in that position for a predetermined time, while the rotating member 55k1 rotates for a predetermined time. In this way, the operation result presentation also includes a moving body presentation. Furthermore, at this time, as an operation result presentation, an effect image G13 accompanying the movement of the board moving body 55k is displayed across the entire display unit 50a. Then, as shown in FIG. 29(D), the effect image G13 is erased, the rotation of the rotating member 55k1 stops, and the board moving body 55k rises, ending the operation result presentation. When the operation result presentation ends, a jackpot suggestion presentation is performed.

On the other hand, if the special chart change pattern of the variable display of the special chart is a reach miss change (SP miss change), even if the first performance button 40k is pressed during the operation valid period, or even if the remaining time of the performance button operation valid period runs out without the first performance button 40k being pressed, the operation result performance is not performed, and a miss indication performance is performed.

The operation result presentation is not limited to the operation of the board moving device 55 or the display of the effect image G13, but can be changed or added as appropriate. Also, the operation presentation is not limited to the special chart change presentation, but can also be performed in the jackpot presentation.

4-5. Pre-reading performance Next, a pre-reading performance that can be executed before the special chart variable display that is the target of the special chart reservation is executed will be described. The pachinko game machine PY can perform a pre-reading performance for the special chart 1 reservation or the special chart 2 reservation for which a jackpot judgment has not been performed, based on the result of the pre-reading judgment, at any timing of the special chart variable performance. The pre-reading performance is a performance that suggests the jackpot expectation for the special chart 1 reservation or the special chart 2 reservation, and functions as a performance that makes the player expect a jackpot before the variable display of the special chart corresponding to that reservation. As an example of a pre-reading performance, there is a reservation change notice using a reservation performance that represents a special chart reservation. Here, a reservation performance and a reservation change notice performed in the normal performance mode will be described.

As shown in FIG. 30(A), the hold display is performed in a hold display area 50d formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape in a section approximately in the center of the bottom end of the display unit 50a. The hold display area 50d is composed of a first area 50d1, a second area 50d2, a third area 50d3, and a fourth area 50d4, which divide the hold display area 50d into four approximately equal areas in the left-right direction. In other words, the first area 50d1 to the fourth area 50d4 are arranged in order from the left end to the right end of the hold display area 50d.

The first area 50d1 displays a reserved icon representing the special chart 1 reservation that occurred first among the reserved special chart 1 reservations and that will be first to have the special chart 1 variable display performed based on the special chart 1 related random number corresponding to that special chart 1 reservation. Similarly, the second area 50d2 to the fourth area 50d4 display reserved icons representing the special chart 1 reservation that occurred second to fourth among the reserved special chart 1 reservations and that will be second to fourth to have the special chart 1 variable display performed based on the special chart 1 related random number corresponding to that special chart 1 reservation.

Note that, below, the special drawing 1 reservation corresponding to the reservation icon displayed in the first area 50d1 is referred to as "special drawing 1 reservation in reservation order 1." Similarly, the special drawing 1 reservations corresponding to the reservation icons displayed in the second area 50d2, the third area 50d3, and the fourth area 50d4 are referred to as "special drawing 1 reservation in reservation order 2," "special drawing 1 reservation in reservation order 3," and "special drawing 1 reservation in reservation order 4." In other words, the existing special drawing 1 reservations are referred to as "reservation order 1" to "reservation order 4" in the order in which they occurred.

In addition, the display area 50e is formed to the left of the reserved display area 50d. The icon representing the currently active special chart 1 change display is displayed in the display area 50e. Therefore, the object indicated by the icon displayed in the display area 50e is different from the object indicated by the reserved icon displayed in the reserved display area 50d, and strictly speaking is not included in the "reserved performance" corresponding to the reserved special chart 1. However, since there is a relationship between the display of the reserved icon and the display of the icon, hereinafter, the display of the reserved icon and the display of the icon are collectively referred to as the "reserved performance". Furthermore, the reserved icon and the icon are collectively referred to as the "icon". Furthermore, the currently active special chart 1 change display indicated by the icon is also referred to as the "change".

In FIG. 30(A), the pending display area 50d and the display area 50e are indicated by dashed lines, and the first area 50d1 to the fourth area 50d4 are indicated by dashed lines, but this is written to indicate the range of the pending display area 50d, the first area 50d1 to the fourth area 50d4, and the display area 50e, and is not actually displayed.

Next, a specific example of the reserved performance will be described. In the following description, the variable display of the small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 will be omitted. As a premise, it is assumed that the special chart 1 variable display is in progress (special chart variable display is in progress) and the number of reserved special charts 1 (U1) is "2". Under this situation, as shown in FIG. 30 (B), a reserved icon HA2 representing the reserved special chart 1 (reserved special chart 1 reserved in reservation order 1) that occurred first among the currently reserved special charts 1, is displayed in the first area 50d1 (not shown), and a reserved icon HA3 representing the reserved special chart 1 (reserved special chart 1 reserved in reservation order 2) that occurred next to the reserved special chart 1 represented by the reserved icon HA2 is displayed in the second area 50d2 (not shown). In addition, the icon HA1 representing the currently running special chart 1 variable display is displayed in the display area 50e (not shown). The display mode of the icons HA1 to HA3 displayed in FIG. 30 (B) is the normal mode.

In this way, in the reserved performance, the reserved special symbols are displayed in the order in which they were reserved, from the left end to the right end of the reserved display area 50d. In other words, the variable display of the reserved special symbols, in other words, the variable display of the unexecuted special symbols based on the special symbol-related judgment information stored in the special symbol reserved memory unit 105, is displayed individually as a reserved icon.

Then, as shown in FIG. 30(C), when the stop display of the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 is performed, the icon HA1, which represented the special pattern variable display that was in progress immediately before that, is erased. Next, when the variable display of the special pattern (special pattern variable effect) is started based on the special pattern 1 reservation that represents the reservation icon HA2, the reservation icon HA2 and the reservation icon HA3 shift. Specifically, the reservation icon HA2 that was displayed in the first area 50d1 (not shown) moves to the corresponding display area 50e (not shown), and the reservation icon HA3 that was displayed in the second area 50d2 (not shown) moves to the first area 50d1 (not shown). In other words, the reservation icon HA2 and the reservation icon HA3 that were displayed shift one to the left each. This is because the variable display of the special pattern corresponding to the reserved icon HA2 has begun, and the special pattern 1 reserved represented by the reserved icon HA3 has become the special pattern 1 reserved that occurred first among the currently reserved special pattern 1 reserves, and has become the next special pattern variable display to be started, so that the reserved icon HA2 and the reserved icon HA3 can be adapted to the situation.

The reserved icon HA2 displayed in the display area 50e represents the special pattern 1 variable display that is currently being executed, and therefore becomes the icon HA2 when displayed in the display area 50e. In other words, the word that precedes "icon" is "reserved" for the icon displayed in the reserved display area 50d, and "relevant" for the icon displayed in the display area 50e. In other words, when a reserved icon is displayed and the start condition for the variable display of the special pattern for the reserved special pattern indicated by the reserved icon is met, the reserved icon corresponding to the variable display of the special pattern related to the satisfaction of the start condition is displayed as the icon.

When the icon changes from a hold icon to the relevant icon, in other words, when the icon moves from hold display area 50d to the relevant display area 50e, the size of the icon may remain the same or may be enlarged. In FIG. 30(C), the icon is enlarged to approximately twice its size when it moves from hold display area 50d to the relevant display area 50e.

When the game ball enters the first starting hole 11 from this state and a special chart 1 reservation occurs, as shown in FIG. 30(E), a new reservation icon HA4 is displayed in the second area 50d2 (not shown) described above in response to the occurrence of the special chart 1 reservation.

In this way, when the first starting hole 11 is won and a special chart 1 related random number is obtained, one common icon is displayed. This icon is erased when the special chart 1 variable display based on the winning ends, but while it is displayed, it exists with different names (the reserved icon and the icon in question) depending on the state of the special chart 1 variable display (the reserved state and the running state).

As mentioned above, the start winning command contains win/lose information and special chart change pattern information. Based on this win/lose information and special chart change pattern information, the pachinko gaming machine PY can display the reserve icon in a normal mode or a special mode. Displaying this reserve icon in a special mode is called a "reserve notice."

When the display mode of the reserved icon is in a special mode, i.e., when a reserved notice is given, the player can have hope that he or she may win the jackpot with the variable display of the special pattern corresponding to the reserved icon. Next, a specific example of a reserved notice will be explained. As a specific example of a reserved notice, let us say that the display mode of the reserved icon HA4 shown in Figure 30 (E) is in a special mode.

One type of hold notification is a hold notification type that becomes a special mode immediately after the hold icon is displayed, in other words, a hold notification is made when a special chart 1 hold occurs (when a ball enters the first starting hole 11). For example, as shown in FIG. 31(A), from the situation before the hold icon HA4 is displayed (the situation in FIG. 30(D)), when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 and a special chart 1 hold occurs, as in the case of FIG. 30(E), a normal hold icon HA4 is displayed in the second area 50d2 (not shown) in response to the occurrence of the special chart 1 hold. In the drawing, the normal hold icon appears to be completely still, but in reality, it may be configured to be completely still, or the display position may not move but may be configured to lightly shake in place.

Then, immediately after that, as shown in FIG. 31(B), the display mode of the hold icon HA4 changes from the normal mode to a special mode (gray in FIG. 31(B)) (a hold notice is given). Note that in the example of FIG. 31, the hold icon HA4 is displayed in the normal mode for a moment immediately after it is displayed, but it is also possible to display it in the special mode and eliminate the period during which it is displayed in the normal mode.

Another type of hold notification is one in which the hold icon takes on a special mode when it moves; in other words, a hold icon change notification is made when the special chart 1 hold is shifted. For example, as shown in FIG. 32(A), from the situation before the hold icon HA4 is displayed (the situation in FIG. 30(D)), when a game ball enters the first starting hole 11 and a special chart 1 hold occurs, as shown in FIG. 32(B), in response to the occurrence of the special chart 1 hold, the hold icon HA4 in the normal mode (white in FIG. 32(B)) is displayed in the second area 50d2 not shown in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 32(C), when the stop display of the effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3 is performed, the icon HA2 that represented the special pattern variable display that was being performed immediately before is erased. Next, when the variable display of the special pattern (special pattern variable effect) is started based on the special pattern 1 reservation represented by the reservation icon HA3, the reservation icon HA3 displayed in the first area 50d1 moves to the display area 50e (not shown), and the reservation icon HA4 displayed in the second area 50d2 moves to the first area 50d1 (not shown), as shown in FIG. 32(D). Here, when the reservation icon HA4 moves from the second area 50d2 to the first area 50d1, its display mode changes from the normal mode to the special mode (gray in FIG. 32(D)) (reservation notice is performed).

In addition, multiple types of special modes related to the hold notice can be provided, so that the likelihood of winning a jackpot varies depending on the type of special mode. For example, the display mode of the hold icon can be associated with the color of the hold icon, and white, green, red, and gold can be set as the display modes of the hold icon. Here, white is the normal mode, and green, red, and gold are the special modes. The likelihood of winning indicated by the display mode of the hold icon can be set in the order of increasing white < green < red < gold.

The look-ahead performance can be performed for both or either of the special chart 1 reserve and the special chart 2 reserve. The look-ahead performance is not limited to the display mode of the reserve icon HA, and can be performed using a performance device other than the image display device 50, such as an image other than the reserve icon HA on the display unit 50a, such as a background image, sound output from the speaker 52, light emitted by the frame lamp 53, and operation by the board moving device 55. Furthermore, the performance mode of the look-ahead performance may be a performance mode that continues without interruption from the time it is executed, such as a reserve icon change notice by the reserve icon HA, until the special chart change display begins, or a performance mode that is executed intermittently and continuously, such as each time the display of the stop pattern is performed or each time the display of the change pattern begins.

5. Game control by the game control microcomputer 101 [Game control main processing]
Next, the control of the game by the game control microcomputer 101 will be described with reference to Figures 33 to 42. The flowchart for controlling the game described below is an example. The order of execution of multiple processes in the flowchart can be changed as appropriate or executed in parallel as long as there is no contradiction in the process contents.

The counters, timers, flags, status, buffers, etc. that appear in the game control by the game control microcomputer 101 described below are provided in the game RAM 104. The initial value of the counter is "0", the initial value of the flag is "0" (i.e. "OFF"), and the initial value of the status is "1".

When the pachinko game machine PY is powered on, the game control microcomputer 101 provided on the game control board 100 reads out and executes the game control main processing program shown in FIG. 33 from the game ROM 103. As shown in the figure, the game control main processing first performs power-on processing (S001). In the power-on processing, permission to access the game RAM 104 is set, the game CPU 102 is set, and the SIO (System Input/Output), PIO (Parallel Input/Output), and CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit: a circuit for managing interrupt time) are set.

Following the power-on process, interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. In this normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003), the counter values of various random numbers related to the normal symbol related judgment information and the special symbol related judgment information are updated by incrementing them by 1. When the counter value of each random number reaches its upper limit, it returns to "0" and is incremented again. The initial value of each random number counter may be a value other than "0", and may be changed randomly. At least a portion of each random number may be so-called hardware random numbers generated using a known random number generation circuit consisting of a counter IC or the like.

When the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is completed, an interrupt is permitted (S004). During the interrupt permission, the game control side timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The game control side timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse repeatedly input to the game CPU 102, for example, at a 4 msec cycle. That is, the game control side timer interrupt process (S005) is executed at a 4 msec cycle. Then, from the end of the game control side timer interrupt process (S005) until the next game control side timer interrupt process (S005) is started, the update process of the counter values of various random numbers by the normal and special symbols main random number update process (S003) is repeatedly executed. Note that, if an interrupt pulse is input to the game CPU 102 when the interrupt is prohibited, the game control side timer interrupt process (S005) is not started immediately, but is started after the interrupt permission (S004) is issued.

[Game control side timer interrupt processing]
Next, the game control timer interrupt process (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 34, in the game control timer interrupt process (S005), first, the output process (S101) is executed. In the output process (S101), commands set in the output buffer provided in the game RAM 104 of the game control board 100 in each process described below are output to the performance control board 120, the payout control board 170, etc.

In the input process (S102) that follows the output process (S101), the game control microcomputer 101 receives a detection signal from the lower tray full switch that detects whether the surplus ball storage hole 35A is full, and stores this in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 as lower tray full data.

The normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103) that is performed next is the same as the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S003) that is performed in the game control main process in FIG. 33. In other words, the update process of the counter values of various random numbers related to the normal symbol related judgment information and the special symbol related judgment information is performed both during the execution period of the game control side timer interrupt process (S005) and during other periods (the period from the end of the main side timer interrupt process (S005) to the start of the next game control side timer interrupt process (S005)).

Following the normal and special symbol main random number update process (S103), the game control microcomputer 101 performs a sensor detection process (S104), then a normal action process (S105), and then a special action process (S106). The sensor detection process, normal action process, and special action process will be described later.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 executes other processing (S107) and ends the game control timer interrupt processing (S005). Other processing (S107) includes power off monitoring processing when the power is turned off and updating of the timer provided in the game RAM 104. Also, as other processing (S107), a payout control processing is performed to pay out prize balls to the player. In the payout control processing, a check is made to see whether the prize ball counter for the first start port 11, the prize ball counter for the second start port 12, the prize ball counter for the large prize port 14, and the prize ball counter for the general prize port 10 exceed "0", and if they exceed "0", a prize ball request signal is sent to the payout control board 170. Then, when the prize ball signal is sent, an update processing is performed to subtract "1" from the prize ball counter related to that signal.

The gaming control microcomputer 101 then repeatedly executes steps S002 to S004 of the gaming control main process until the next interrupt pulse is input to the gaming CPU 102, and when the interrupt pulse is input (approximately 4 msec later), it again executes the gaming control timer interrupt process (S005). In the output process (S101) of the gaming control timer interrupt process (S005) that has been executed again, the gaming control microcomputer 101 outputs the commands and the like that were set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104 in the previous gaming control timer interrupt process (S005).

[Sensor detection process]
Next, the sensor detection process will be described with reference to Figures 35 and 36. In the sensor detection process (S104), first, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the general winning opening 10, that is, whether or not a game ball has been detected by the general winning opening sensor 10a (S201). If a game ball has not entered the general winning opening 10 (NO in S201), the process proceeds to step S203, and if a game ball has entered the general winning opening 10 (YES in S201), a general winning opening prize ball process is performed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to the game ball (S202). In the general winning opening prize ball process, the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning of the general winning opening 10 ("3" in the basic embodiment) is added to the prize ball counter for the general winning opening 10.

In step S203, it is determined whether the game ball has passed through the gate 13, i.e., whether the game ball has been detected by the gate sensor 13a. If the game ball has not passed through the gate 13 (NO in S203), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, if the game ball has passed through the gate 13 (YES in S203), it is determined whether the normal operation status is 1, which will be described later, in other words, whether neither the normal pattern variable display nor the auxiliary game is being performed (S204). If the normal operation status is not 1 (NO in S204), the process proceeds to step S207. If the normal operation status is 1 (YES in S204), the normal pattern random number indicated by the counter value of the normal pattern random number counter (LABEL-TRND-F) is obtained as normal pattern related judgment information (S205), and the obtained normal pattern related judgment information is stored in the normal pattern reservation memory unit 86 provided in the gaming RAM 104 (S206), and the process proceeds to step S207.

In step S207, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the second start hole 12, i.e., whether or not a game ball has been detected by the second start hole sensor 12a. If a game ball has not entered the second start hole 12 (NO in S207), the process proceeds to step S214. If a game ball has entered the second start hole 12 (YES in S207), second start hole prize ball processing is performed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to the game ball (S208). In the second start hole prize ball processing, the number of prize balls corresponding to the entry into the second start hole 12 ("2" in the basic embodiment) is added to the prize ball counter for the second start hole 12.

Next, it is determined whether the number of reserved special figures 2 (specifically, the value of the counter (reserved special figure 2 counter) that counts the number of reserved special figures 2 provided in the gaming RAM 104) is "4" (upper limit memory number) or more (S209). If the reserved special figure 2 number is "4" or more (YES in S209), the process proceeds to step S214, but if the reserved special figure 2 number is not "4" or more (less than "4") (NO in S209), a reserved special figure 2 number addition process is performed (S210). In the reserved special figure 2 number addition process, the reserved special figure 2 number counter is added by "1" and the reserved special figure 2 number indicated by the reserved special figure 2 indicator 83b is increased by "1".

Next, special chart 2 related judgment information consisting of a special symbol random number counter (label-TRND-T), a jackpot symbol type random number counter (label-TRND-OS), a reach random number counter (label-TRND-RC), and a special chart change pattern random number counter (label-TRND-HP) is obtained and stored in a special chart related judgment information buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 (S211).

Next, a second look-ahead judgment process is performed (S212). In the second look-ahead judgment process, the second start winning command is identified by comparing the current game state and the special chart 2 related judgment information acquired in step S211 with the second look-ahead judgment table shown in FIG. 14, and the identified second start winning command is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 stores the special chart 2 related judgment information acquired in step S211 in the special chart 2 reservation memory unit 105b (S213).

Next, in step S214, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the first start hole 11, i.e., whether or not a game ball has been detected by the first start hole sensor 11a. If a game ball has not entered the first start hole 11 (NO in S214), the process proceeds to step S221. If a game ball has entered the first start hole 11 (YES in S214), a first start hole prize ball process is performed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to the game ball (S215). In the first start hole prize ball process, the number of prize balls corresponding to the entry into the first start hole 11 ("4" in the basic embodiment) is added to the prize ball counter for the first start hole 11.

Next, it is determined whether the number of reserved special charts 1 (specifically, the value of the counter (reserved special chart 1 counter) that counts the number of reserved special charts 1 provided in the gaming RAM 104) is "4" (upper limit memory number) or more (S216). If the reserved special chart 1 number is "4" or more (YES in S216), the process proceeds to step S221, but if the reserved special chart 1 number is not "4" or more (is less than "4") (NO in S216), a reserved special chart 1 number addition process is performed (S217). In the reserved special chart 1 number addition process, the reserved special chart 1 number counter is added by "1" and the reserved special chart 1 number indicated by the reserved special chart 1 indicator 83a is increased by "1".

Next, special chart 1 related judgment information consisting of a special symbol random number counter (label-TRND-T), a jackpot symbol type random number counter (label-TRND-OS), a reach random number counter (label-TRND-RC), and a special chart change pattern random number counter (label-TRND-HP) is obtained and stored in a special chart related judgment information buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104 (S218).

Next, a first look-ahead judgment process is performed (S219). In the first look-ahead judgment process, the current game state and the special chart 1 related judgment information acquired in step S218 are compared with the first look-ahead judgment table shown in FIG. 13 to identify the first start winning command, and the identified first start winning command is set in the output buffer of the gaming RAM 104.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 stores the special chart 1 related judgment information acquired in step S218 in a memory area of the special chart 1 reservation memory unit 105a that corresponds to the current number of special charts 1 reserved (S220).

In step S221, it is determined whether or not a game ball has entered the large prize opening 14, i.e., whether or not a game ball has been detected by the large prize opening sensor 14a. If a game ball has not entered the large prize opening 14 (NO in S221), the sensor detection process is terminated. If a game ball has entered the large prize opening 14 (YES in S221), it is determined whether or not the counter value of the large prize opening entry counter provided in the game RAM 104 is "9" or more (S222). The large prize opening entry counter is a counter for counting the number of balls that have entered the large prize opening 14 in one round of jackpot play. The large prize opening entry counter is cleared each time each round of play ends. In the first embodiment, the specified number of winning balls is set to "14". Therefore, the process of step S222 is performed.

If the counter value of the large prize opening winning counter is "11" or more (YES in S222), the sensor detection process is terminated. If the counter value of the large prize opening winning counter is not "11" or more, i.e., is less than "11" (NO in S222), the counter value of the large prize opening winning counter is incremented by "1" (S223), a large prize opening prize ball process is performed to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls to the player (S224), and the sensor detection process is terminated. Note that in the large prize opening prize ball process, the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning at the large prize opening 14 ("9" in the basic embodiment) is incremented to the prize ball counter for the large prize opening 14.

In addition, a sensor other than sensors 10a to 14a may be provided as a sensor capable of detecting a gaming ball, and processing other than that shown in Figures 35 to 36 may be performed based on the detection of a gaming ball by that sensor.

[Normal operation processing]
Next, the normal operation process for controlling the normal display 82 and the electric chute 12D will be described. As shown in FIG. 37, the process for the normal display 82 and the electric chute 12D is divided into four statuses (stages). And, "normal operation status = 1, 2, 3, 4" is assigned to each of these statuses. In the normal operation process (S105), the game control microcomputer 101 first checks the "normal operation status" (S1101). If the "normal operation status" is "1", it performs the normal symbol waiting process (S1102), if the "normal operation status" is "2", it performs the normal symbol change process (S1103), if the "normal operation status" is "3", it performs the normal symbol determination process (S1104), and if the "normal operation status" is "4", it performs the auxiliary game control process (S1105). Note that the "normal operation status" is initially set to "1".

The normal symbol standby process (S1102) is a process that is performed during standby when the normal symbol variable display and auxiliary play are not being performed. In the normal symbol standby process (S1102), a win determination is performed based on the normal symbol random number stored in the normal symbol reserve memory unit 86. Furthermore, a normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination is performed based on the current game state to determine the normal symbol fluctuation pattern, and the normal symbol display 82 starts to display the normal symbol fluctuation for the normal symbol fluctuation time according to the determined normal symbol fluctuation pattern, and the normal operation status is changed to "2". Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a normal symbol fluctuation start command according to the normal symbol fluctuation pattern determination result in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 when the normal symbol fluctuation display starts.

The normal pattern change process (S1103) is a process that is performed when the normal pattern is changing. In the normal pattern change process (S1103), it is determined whether the normal pattern change time has elapsed since the start of the ongoing normal pattern change display (whether to end the normal pattern change display), and if it is determined that the normal pattern change time has elapsed, the normal pattern is stopped based on the hit determination result, and the normal operation status is changed to "3". In addition, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a normal pattern change stop command in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 when the normal pattern change display starts.

The normal symbol determination process (S1104) is a process that is performed when the normal symbol is displayed stationary. In the normal symbol determination process (S1104), it is determined whether a predetermined stop time (for example, 0.8 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the stationary display of the ongoing normal symbol (whether to end the stationary display of the normal symbol), and if it is determined that the predetermined stop time has elapsed, it is determined whether the stationary display of the normal symbol is a winning symbol. If it is not a winning symbol (if the stationary display of the normal symbol is a losing symbol), the normal operation status is changed to "1". On the other hand, if a winning symbol is displayed stationary, the normal operation status is changed to "4", and the auxiliary game is started based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. Furthermore, the game control microcomputer 101 sets an auxiliary game start command in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 when the auxiliary game starts.

The auxiliary game control process (S1105) is a process that is performed when an auxiliary game is being played. In the auxiliary game control process (S1105), the auxiliary game is controlled based on the current game state and the auxiliary game control table. Then, when the auxiliary game ends, the normal operation status is changed to "1".

[Special Action Processing]
Next, the special operation process related to the control of the special chart display 81, the special chart reserve display 83, and the big prize device 14D will be described. As shown in FIG. 38, the process related to the special chart display 81, the special chart reserve display 83, and the big prize device 14D is divided into five statuses (stages). And, each status is assigned a "special operation status = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5". The game control microcomputer 101 first checks the "special operation status" (S1501).

When the "special operation status" is "1", the game control microcomputer 101 performs a special symbol waiting process (S1502); when the "special operation status" is "2", it performs a special symbol variation process (S1503); when the "special operation status" is "3", it performs a special symbol determination process (S1504); when the "special operation status" is "4", it performs a big win game control process (S1505); when the "special operation status" is "5", it performs a game state setting process (S1506). Note that the "special operation status" is initially set to "1".

The special symbol waiting process (S1502) is a process that is carried out during waiting when the special symbol is not being displayed or a jackpot is not being played. The special symbol waiting process will be described in detail later.

The special symbol change process (S1503) is a process that is performed when the special symbol is changing. The special symbol change process will be described in detail later.

The special symbol determination process (S1504) is a process that is performed when a special symbol is displayed stationary. The special symbol determination process will be described in detail later.

The jackpot game control process (S1505) is a process performed during a jackpot game. The game control microcomputer 101 performs the jackpot game control process to play a jackpot game according to the jackpot game control table. When the jackpot game ends, the special operation status is changed to "5". When each round of play starts, a round number designation command indicating the number of rounds is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. When all rounds of play end and an ending starts, an ending command indicating an ending corresponding to the jackpot symbol related to that jackpot game is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104. When the game control microcomputer 101 sets the special operation status to "4" and controls the jackpot game, this state is called a "jackpot game state", and the state in which the special operation status "4" is set is called a "jackpot game state".

The game state setting process (S1506) is a process for setting the game state to be controlled after the jackpot game when the jackpot game ends. For example, if the game is to be controlled in a high probability state after the jackpot game, the high probability flag is set ON in the high probability flag area of the game RAM 104 to set the high probability state. Furthermore, if the duration of the high probability state is to be limited at this time, the duration is also set. For example, if the end condition of the high probability state is the number of times that the special chart variable display is executed, that number (hereinafter, referred to as the "high probability specified number of times") is set in the high probability remaining number counter provided in the game RAM 104. Furthermore, if the game is to be controlled in a time-saving state after the jackpot game, the time-saving flag is set ON in the time-saving flag area of the game RAM 104 to set the time-saving state. Furthermore, if the duration of the time-saving state is to be limited at this time, the duration is also set. For example, if the condition for ending the time-saving state is the number of times the special chart variable display is executed, that number (hereinafter referred to as the "prescribed number of times for time-saving") is set in a remaining number of times for time-saving counter provided in the gaming RAM 104.

In addition, in the game status setting process, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a game status command indicating the game status after the jackpot game in the output buffer of the game RAM 104.

[Special symbol standby process]
Next, the special symbol waiting process will be described with reference to FIG. 39. In the special symbol waiting process (S1502), first, it is determined whether the special symbol 2 reserved number is "0" (S1601). If the special symbol 2 reserved number is "0" (YES in S1601), that is, if there is no memory of the special symbol 2 related judgment information acquired due to winning the second starting gate 12, it is determined whether the special symbol 1 reserved number is "0" (S1608). Then, if the special symbol 1 reserved number is also "0" (YES in S1608), that is, if there is no memory of the special symbol 1 related judgment information acquired due to winning the first starting gate 11, it is determined whether the customer waiting flag is ON (S1618). Here, if the customer waiting flag is ON (YES in S1618), the special pattern waiting process is terminated, and if the customer waiting flag is not ON (NO in S1618), a customer waiting command is set in the output buffer (S1619), the customer waiting flag is set ON (S1620), and the special pattern waiting process is terminated.

In addition, if the number of reserved special charts 2 is "0" but the number of reserved special charts 1 is not "0" (YES in S1601 and NO in S1608), that is, if there is no special chart 2 related judgment information but there is one or more memories of special chart 1 related judgment information obtained due to winning at the first starting port 11, a special chart 1 judgment process (S1609) and a special chart 1 change pattern judgment process (S1610) are performed.

In the special symbol 1 determination process (S1609), the earliest special symbol random number stored in the special symbol 1 reserved memory unit 105a is read out, and a determination is made as to whether it is a jackpot or a miss (jackpot determination) based on the jackpot determination table associated with the game state.

Here, if the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, the jackpot symbol type random number is read out and the jackpot symbol type is determined (jackpot symbol type determination) based on the first jackpot symbol type determination table. Then, jackpot symbol data representing the jackpot symbol type is set in a special symbol buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104, and a symbol designation command representing the jackpot symbol type is set in an output buffer provided in the gaming RAM 104.

In addition, if the result of the jackpot determination is a "miss," the miss pattern data indicating the miss is set in the special pattern buffer, and the pattern designation command indicating the miss is set in the output buffer.

Next, the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination process (S1610) will be explained using FIG. 40. In the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination process, first, it is determined whether or not the current state is not time-saving (S1651). If the current state is not time-saving (YES in S1651), a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for the non-time-saving state is selected (S1652) before proceeding to step S1654, and if the current state is not time-saving (NO in S1651), a special chart 1 fluctuation pattern determination table for the time-saving state is selected (S1653) before proceeding to step S1654.

In step S1654, the game control microcomputer 101 judges whether the jackpot judgment result is a "jackpot". If it is not a jackpot (NO in S1654), the process proceeds to step S1655. If it is a jackpot (YES in S1654), the process selects a special pattern 1 variation table for the jackpot pattern from the special pattern 1 variation pattern judgment tables selected in either step S1652 or step S1653 (S1659), and then proceeds to step S1660.

In step S1655, the game control microcomputer 101 performs a reach judgment. In the reach judgment, the reach random number is read and the reach random number is compared with a reach judgment table corresponding to the current game state (non-time-saving state/time-saving state) to judge whether or not there is a reach.

The game control microcomputer 101 then determines whether the result of the reach determination in step S1655 is "reach" (S1656). If there is a reach (YES in S1656), select a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for reach with miss from the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table selected in either step S1652 or step S1653 (S1658) and then proceed to step S1660. If there is no reach (NO in S1656), check the current number of reserved special charts 1, and select a special chart 1 variation pattern determination table for no reach with miss corresponding to the number of reserved special charts 1 from the special chart 1 variation pattern determination table selected in either step S1652 or step S1653 (S1657) and then proceed to step S1660.

In step S1660, the game control microcomputer 101 reads out the special symbol variation pattern random number, and compares the special symbol variation pattern random number with the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination table selected in any of steps S1657 to S1659 to perform a special symbol 1 variation pattern determination to determine the special symbol 1 variation pattern. Next, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a special symbol 1 variation start command indicating the determined special symbol 1 variation pattern in the output buffer (S1661), sets the special symbol variation time corresponding to the determined special symbol 1 variation pattern in the special operation timer (S1662), ends the special symbol 1 variation pattern determination process, and returns the process to the special symbol standby process.

The special action timer is updated for 4 ms in other processes in the game control timer interrupt process. The special symbol 1 change start command that is set also includes information on the type of special symbol (that it is special symbol 1) and information on the results of the special symbol change pattern determination performed in the special symbol 1 change pattern determination process (S1610) (information on the special symbol change pattern, including the presence or absence of a reach and information on the special symbol change time).

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 causes the special chart 1 display 81a to start displaying the variation of the special chart 1 based on the special chart variation time corresponding to the special chart 1 variation pattern determined in step S1610 (S1611).

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 shifts the storage location (memory area) of the various counter values in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a from the current position to the side to be read, and performs a special chart 1 reserved memory unit shift process to clear the memory area corresponding to the first reserved item in the special chart 1 reserved memory unit 105a (the memory area farthest from the side to be read) (S1612). In this way, the special chart 1 reserved items are consumed in the order in which they were reserved.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the special chart 1 reserved number counter by "1" (S1613), decreases the special chart 1 reserved number indicated by the special chart 1 reserved display 83a by "1" (S1614), and changes the special operation status to "2" (S1615).

The game control microcomputer 101 then determines whether the customer waiting flag is ON (S1616), and if it is ON (YES in S1616), it turns the customer waiting flag OFF (S1617) and ends the special symbol waiting process, and if it is not ON (NO in S1616), it ends the special symbol waiting process without executing step S1617.

In addition, in step S1601, if the number of reserved special charts 2 is not "0" (NO in S1601), that is, if there is one or more memories of special chart 2 related judgment information acquired due to winning at the second starting port 12, a special chart 2 judgment process (S1602) and a special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment process (S1603) are performed. The special chart 2 judgment process (S1602) and the special chart 2 fluctuation pattern judgment process (S1603) are basically the same processing content as the special chart 1 judgment process (S1609) and the special chart 1 fluctuation pattern judgment process (S1610).

The special chart 2 determination process (S1602) is basically the same as the special chart 1 determination process (S1609), except that the table used in the jackpot determination is the second jackpot determination table, and the table used in the jackpot pattern type determination is the second jackpot pattern type determination table, so a description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the special chart 2 variation pattern determination process (S1603) is basically the same as the special chart 1 variation pattern determination process (S1610), except that the table used in the special chart 2 variation pattern determination is the special chart 2 variation pattern determination table, so a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 causes the special chart 2 display 81b to start displaying the variation of the special chart 2 based on the special chart variation time corresponding to the special chart variation pattern determined in step S1603 (S1604).

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 shifts the storage location (memory area) of the various counter values in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b from the current position to the side to be read, and performs a special chart 2 reserved memory unit shift process to clear the memory area corresponding to the fourth reserved item in the special chart 2 reserved memory unit 105b (the memory area farthest from the side to be read) (S1605). In this way, the special chart 2 reserved items are consumed in the order in which they were reserved.

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 decrements the special chart 2 reserved number counter by "1" (S1606), changes the special chart 2 reserved number indicated by the special chart 2 reserved display 83b by decreasing it by "1" (S1607), changes the special operation status to "2" (S1615), and proceeds to step S1616.

As described above, in the basic embodiment, the display of the special pattern based on the special pattern 1 reservation is performed only when the special pattern 2 reservation is "0" (YES in S1601). In other words, the consumption of the special pattern 2 reservation is executed in priority to the consumption of the special pattern 1 reservation. And in the basic embodiment, the lottery based on the special pattern 2 reservation makes it easier for the player to win a jackpot pattern that is more profitable for the player than the lottery based on the special pattern 1 reservation. Note that the consumption of the special pattern 1 reservation may be executed in priority to the consumption of the special pattern 2 reservation. Also, the consumption of the special pattern 1 reservation and the consumption of the special pattern 2 reservation may be performed in the order in which the reservations were generated, regardless of the type of special pattern.

[Special pattern change processing]
Next, the special symbol variation process will be described with reference to Fig. 41. In the special symbol variation process, the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not the special symbol variation display is to be terminated, that is, whether or not the special symbol variation time set in the special operation timer in step S1603 or step S1610 has elapsed (special operation counter = 0) (S1701). If the special symbol variation display is not to be terminated (NO in S1701), the special symbol variation process is terminated, and if the special symbol variation display is to be terminated (YES in S1701), the special symbol display unit 81 is caused to terminate the special symbol variation display and to stop display the special symbol according to the symbol data (jackpot symbol data or loss special symbol data) set in the special symbol buffer in step S1602 or step S1609 (S1702).

Next, a preset special pattern determination time (e.g., 0.8 seconds) is set in the special operation timer (S1703), a special pattern change stop command indicating that the special pattern change display is to end is set in the output buffer (S1704), the special operation status is changed to "3" (S1705), and the special pattern change processing is terminated.

[Special design confirmation process]
Next, the special symbol determination process will be described with reference to Fig. 42. In the special symbol determination process (S1504), the game control microcomputer 101 first determines whether or not the stopped display of the special symbol is to be ended, that is, whether or not the special symbol determination time set in the special operation timer in step S1703 has elapsed (special operation counter = 0) (S1751). If the stopped display of the special symbol is not to be ended (NO in S1751), the special symbol determination process is ended, and if the stopped display of the special symbol is to be ended (YES in S1751), it determines whether or not the current state is a normal probability state (high probability flag is OFF) (S1752).

If the game control microcomputer 101 is not currently in the normal probability state (NO in S1752), it proceeds to step S1757, and if currently in the normal probability state (YES in S1752), it determines whether or not it is in the time-saving state (time-saving flag is ON) (S1753). If the game control microcomputer 101 is not currently in the time-saving state (NO in S1753), it proceeds to step S1757, and if currently in the time-saving state (YES in S1753), it subtracts "1" from the value of the time-saving remaining number counter that measures the remaining number of times (time-saving remaining number) that the variable display of the special pattern that can be executed in the time-saving state is performed (S1754), and it determines whether or not the value of the time-saving remaining number counter is "0" (S1755). If the value of the remaining time-saving counter (remaining time-saving times) is not "0" (NO in S1755), proceed to step S1757; if the value of the remaining time-saving counter (remaining time-saving times) is "0" (YES in S1755), transition from the time-saving state to a non-time-saving state (turn off the time-saving flag) (S1756), and proceed to step S1757.

Next, the game control microcomputer 101 checks the current game state, sets a game state command indicating that game state in the output buffer (S1757), and determines whether the currently displayed stopped special symbol is a jackpot symbol or not (S1758). If it is not a jackpot symbol (NO in S1758), the special action status is changed to "1" (S1762), and the special symbol determination process is completed. If it is a jackpot symbol (YES in S1758), the game state is reset (the normal game state is set. Specifically, the high probability flag and the time-saving flag are turned OFF, and the values of the high probability remaining number counter and the time-saving remaining number counter are set to "0") (S1759).

Then, the game control microcomputer 101 performs a jackpot game preparation process (S1760), changes the special operation status to "4" (S1761), and ends the special symbol determination process. In the jackpot game preparation process, the game control microcomputer 101 sets a jackpot game control table corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol in a predetermined area of the game RAM 104. In addition, a jackpot opening flag indicating that an opening corresponding to the stopped jackpot symbol is in progress is turned ON in a predetermined area of the game RAM 104, and a predetermined opening time (the time from the start of the jackpot game to the start of one round) is set in the special operation timer according to the type of jackpot symbol. Furthermore, an opening command indicating the type of jackpot symbol is set in the output buffer of the game RAM 104 according to the type of jackpot symbol. The opening command corresponding to the type of jackpot symbol indicates that a jackpot game (opening of the jackpot game) corresponding to the type of the stopped jackpot symbol is to start.

6. Control of the performance by the performance control board 120 [Main processing for performance control]
Next, the control of the performance by the performance control board 120 will be described using the flowcharts of Figures 43 to 47. The flowcharts for controlling the performance described below are only examples. The execution order of the multiple processes in the flowcharts can be changed as appropriate or executed in parallel, as long as no contradiction occurs in the process contents.

The counters, timers, flags, buffers, etc. that appear in the following description of the control of presentation by the presentation control board 120 are provided in the presentation RAM 124. When the power is turned on to the pachinko gaming machine PY, the presentation control microcomputer 121 provided in the presentation control board 120 reads out the sub-control main processing program shown in FIG. 43 from the presentation ROM 123 and executes it.

As shown in the figure, the main performance control process first performs power-on processing in response to power-on (S4001). The power-on processing includes, for example, setting the performance CPU 122, and setting the SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time), etc.

Next, interrupts are prohibited (S4002), and random number seed update processing is executed (S4003). In the random number seed update processing (S4003), the values of various random number counters for determining effects are updated to make judgments regarding various effects. Note that the random numbers for determining effects include various random numbers for determining the content of effects, such as random numbers for determining stopping pattern patterns, which will be described later, and random numbers for determining special pattern variation effect patterns.

As an example, the method of updating the random number counter for determining various effects can be the same as the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above. When updating, the random number value may be incremented by 2 instead of incremented by 1. This is also the same as the random number update process performed by the game control board 100 described above.

When the random number seed update process is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S4004). In the command transmission process, various commands (such as the special chart change performance start command, customer waiting start command, opening performance start command, round performance start command, and ending performance start command described below) stored in the output buffer in the performance RAM 124 of the performance control board 120 are transmitted to the image control board 140.

The image control board 140, which has received the command, displays an image on the display unit 50a in accordance with the received command (executing various effects using images). In addition to the various effects performed by the image control board 140, the effect control board 120 also outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (executing various effects using sound), lights up the frame lamp 53 via the sub-drive board 162 (executing various effects using light), and operates the movable board 55k (executing various effects using operation). The various effects include special chart change effects, big win game effects (big win opening effects, round effects, big win ending effects), customer waiting effects, operation effects, and pre-reading effects.

The performance control microcomputer 121 then permits interrupts (S4005). Thereafter, steps S4002 to S4005 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, it becomes possible to execute reception interrupt processing (S4010), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012). The 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S4011) and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S4012) will be described later.

The receiving interrupt process (S4010) is executed each time a strobe signal, i.e., any of the various commands sent from the game control board 100, is input to the external INT input section of the performance control microcomputer 121. In the receiving interrupt process (S4010), the performance control microcomputer 121 stores the various commands sent and received by the output process (S101) of the game control board 100 in the receiving buffer of the performance RAM 124. This receiving interrupt process is executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S4011, S4012).

[1 ms timer interrupt processing]
Next, the 1 ms timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. 44. The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 1 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. In the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S4011), the performance control microcomputer 121 first performs input processing (S4101). In the input processing, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates first performance button switch data based on the detection signal from the first performance button sensor 40a. The performance control microcomputer 121 creates second performance button switch data based on the detection signal from the second performance button sensor 41a.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs light emission data output processing (S4102). In the light emission data output processing, the performance control microcomputer 121 outputs the light emission data created in the light emission data creation processing (S4203) in the 10 ms timer interrupt processing described below to the sub-drive board 162 in order to cause the frame lamp 53 to emit light at a timing that matches the image-based performance, etc. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 causes the frame lamp 53 to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the light emission data.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs movable device control processing (S4103). In the movable device control processing, the performance control microcomputer 121 creates or outputs drive data (data for driving the board movable body 55k) to drive the board movable body 55k at a predetermined timing. In other words, the performance control microcomputer 121 drives the board movable body 55k in a predetermined operating mode according to the drive data.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a timer update process (S4104). In the timer update process, various timers provided in the performance RAM 124 (described later) are updated in order to manage and control the time related to various specified performances. In this process, the timers provided in the performance RAM 124 are updated by 1 msec.

Then, the performance control microcontroller 121 performs watchdog timer processing to reset the watchdog timer (S4105), and ends the 1 ms timer interrupt processing.

[10 ms timer interrupt processing]
Next, the 10 ms timer interrupt process will be described with reference to FIG. 45. The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4012) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the performance control board 120. In the 10 ms timer interrupt process, the performance control microcomputer 121 first performs a received command analysis process (S4201) that analyzes the commands stored in the receive buffer in step S4010. The received command analysis process will be described in detail in the basic embodiment described later.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs audio control processing (S4202). In the audio control processing, audio data (data that controls the audio output from the speaker 52) is created and output to the audio control circuit 161 based on the performance content indicated by the special chart change performance data set in the performance RAM 124.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a light emission data creation process (S4203). In the light emission data creation process, light emission data is created based on the performance content indicated by the special chart variation performance data set in the performance RAM 124.

[Received command analysis process]
Next, the received command analysis process will be described with reference to Figures 46 and 47. In the received command analysis process, the performance control microcomputer 121 first determines whether or not it has received a start winning command (first start winning command or second start winning command) from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not it has stored the start winning command in the receiving buffer (S4301). If the performance control microcomputer 121 has received a start winning command (YES in S4301), it proceeds to step S4302, whereas if it has not received a start winning command (NO in S4301), it proceeds to step S4303.

In step S4302, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs start winning processing in response to the game ball winning in the first start hole 11 or the second start hole 12. In the start winning processing, the received start winning command is stored in the start winning command reservation memory unit 125 in the performance RAM 124. Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the stored start winning command and determines whether or not to execute a look-ahead performance indicating the likelihood of a big win. The look-ahead performance includes a reservation notice that displays a reservation icon in a special manner, as well as a continuous notice performance that is performed over multiple consecutive display changes of special patterns. If it is decided to execute these look-ahead performances, a look-ahead performance start command for executing the determined performance is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

When the look-ahead performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a look-ahead performance by image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50. In addition, while the look-ahead performance by image is being performed by the image control board 140, the performance control microcomputer 121 can output sound from the speaker 52 via the sound control circuit 161 (perform a look-ahead performance by sound) according to the look-ahead performance content indicated by the look-ahead performance start command sent to the image control board 140, and can also light up the frame lamp 53 via the sub-drive board 162 (perform a look-ahead performance by light emission), and operate the board movable body 55k (perform a look-ahead performance by operation).

In step S4303, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not it has received a symbol designation command from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not it has stored the symbol designation command in the receiving buffer. If the performance control microcomputer 121 has not received a symbol designation command (NO in S4303), it proceeds to step S4305, whereas if it has received a symbol designation command (YES in S4303), it stores the symbol designation command in the symbol designation command memory unit 126 in the performance RAM 124 (S4304).

In step S4305, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a special chart change start command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the special chart change start command has been stored in the reception buffer. If the special chart change start command has not been received (NO in S4305), the process proceeds to step S4307. On the other hand, if the special chart change start command has been received (YES in S4305), the performance content of the special chart change performance is determined, and special chart change performance start processing (S4306) is performed to start the special chart change performance.

In the special symbol variation performance start process, the performance control microcomputer 121 first stores a special symbol variation start command in the special symbol variation start command memory unit 127 in the performance RAM 124. Next, based on the contents of the stopped special symbol (type of big win symbol, losing special symbol) indicated by the symbol designation command already stored in step S4304 and the special symbol variation pattern indicated by the special symbol variation start command, a stop symbol pattern determination table is selected for performing stop symbol determination for determining the performance symbols EZ1 to EZ3 and small symbols KZ1 to KZ3 to be stopped and displayed. A plurality of stop symbol pattern determination tables are provided in association with the special symbols and special symbol variation patterns. Therefore, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects one stop symbol pattern determination table associated with the stopped special symbol and special symbol variation pattern. In each stopping pattern determination table, the values of the random numbers for determining the stopping pattern pattern (stopping pattern determination values) are allocated to the multiple performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 so as to achieve a predetermined allocation rate (%). Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 obtains the value indicated by the random number counter for determining the stopping pattern pattern as a random number for determining the stopping pattern pattern, and performs a stopping pattern determination based on the obtained random number for determining the stopping pattern pattern.

In determining the stop symbol pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 checks the acquired random number for determining the stop symbol pattern against the selected stop symbol pattern table, determines the performance symbols EZ1-EZ3 and small symbols KZ1-KZ3 to be displayed, and sets data representing the determined performance symbols EZ1-EZ3 and small symbols KZ1-KZ3 in a specified area of the performance RAM 124. For example, if the special symbol variation pattern is a no-reach miss variation, a combination of the performance symbols EZ1-EZ3 and small symbols KZ1-KZ3 is selected to result in a so-called "varied pattern." Also, if the special symbol variation pattern is a reach miss variation, a combination of the performance symbols EZ1-EZ3 and small symbols KZ1-KZ3 is selected so that the left performance symbol EZ1 and the right performance symbol EZ3 are the same, and the center performance symbol EZ2 is different from them. Furthermore, if the special pattern variation is a jackpot variation, a combination of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 is selected to produce a so-called "double number" according to the performance mode and the type of jackpot pattern.

Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects a special chart change performance pattern determination table for performing a special chart change performance pattern determination for determining a special chart change performance pattern associated with the performance content of the special chart change performance based on the currently-present performance mode and the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command. A plurality of special chart change performance pattern determination tables are provided in association with the performance mode and the special chart change pattern. Thus, the performance control microcomputer 121 selects one special chart change performance pattern determination table associated with the special chart change pattern. In each special chart change performance pattern determination table, the value of the special chart change performance pattern determination random number (special chart change performance pattern determination value) is allocated to one or more special chart change performance patterns so as to achieve a predetermined allocation rate (%). Next, the performance control microcomputer 121 acquires the value indicated by the special chart change performance pattern determination random number counter as a special chart change performance pattern determination random number, and performs a special chart change performance pattern determination based on the acquired special chart change performance pattern determination random number.

When determining the special chart change performance pattern, the performance control microcomputer 121 compares the acquired random number for determining the special chart change performance pattern with the selected special chart change performance pattern table, determines the special chart change performance pattern, sets data representing the determined special chart change performance pattern (special chart change performance pattern data) in a specified area of the performance RAM 124, and sets a special chart change performance start command indicating the special chart change performance pattern in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

When the special chart change performance start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 reads a specified performance image from the image ROM 142 and performs a special chart change performance using an image on the display unit 50a of the image display device 50.

The special chart change performance start command also includes information about the performance flow associated with the special chart change pattern indicated by the special chart change start command. In addition to the special chart change performance by image performed by the image display device 50, the special chart change performance by sound output from the speaker 52, the performance content of the special chart change performance by light emission performed by the frame lamp 53, and the performance content of the special chart change performance by the operation performed by the board movable body 55k are also included in the special chart change performance start command.

In addition, while the special chart change performance by image is being performed by the image control board 140, the performance control microcomputer 121 outputs sound from the speaker 52 via the audio control circuit 161 (executes the special chart change performance by sound) according to the special chart change performance content indicated by the special chart change performance start command sent to the image control board 140, and also causes the frame lamp 53 to light up via the sub-drive board 162 (executes the special chart change performance by light emission), and operates the board movable body 55k (executes the special chart change performance by movement).

In step S4307, the performance control microcomputer 121 judges whether or not a special chart change stop command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the special chart change stop command has been stored in the reception buffer. If the performance control microcomputer 121 has not received the special chart change stop command (NO in S4307), it proceeds to step S4309, whereas if it has received the special chart change stop command (YES in S4307), it performs special chart change performance end processing (S4308) to end the special chart change performance (stopping the change display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and small patterns KZ1 to KZ3 and performing a stop display).

In the special chart change performance end process, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the special chart change stop command, and based on the analysis result, sets the special chart change performance end command in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 to appropriately end the special chart change performance (stop the changing display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3). When the image control board 140 receives the special chart change performance end command, it ends the special chart change performance that is being executed (stops the changing performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 and the small patterns KZ1 to KZ3).

In step S4309, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a game state command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the game state command has been stored in the receiving buffer. If the presentation control microcomputer 121 has not received a game state command (NO in S4309), it proceeds to step S4311. If the presentation control microcomputer 121 has received a game state command (YES in S4309), it analyzes the game state command to identify the game state represented by the game state command and performs a game state setting process to set the game state (S4310).

In the game state setting process, the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets a game state flag corresponding to the game state indicated by the game state command in the game state flag area of the presentation RAM 124. For example, if the game state indicated by the game state command is a normal game state, the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets the game state flag "00H" in the game state flag area of the presentation RAM 124. Also, if the game state indicated by the game state command is a high probability high base game state, the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets the game state flag "01H" in the game state flag area of the presentation RAM 124. Furthermore, if the game state indicated by the game state command is a low probability high base game state, the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets the game state flag "02H" in the game state flag area of the presentation RAM 124.

In step S4311, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a customer waiting command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the customer waiting command has been stored in the reception buffer. If the performance control microcomputer 121 has not received a customer waiting command (NO in S4311), it proceeds to step S4313, whereas if it has received a customer waiting command (YES in S4311), it performs customer waiting performance standby processing (S4312) and ends the received command analysis processing.

In the customer waiting performance standby process, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets the waiting time from when the performance pattern is stopped to when the customer waiting performance starts (customer waiting performance standby time: for example, 20 seconds) in the customer waiting performance timer. The performance control microcomputer 121 can determine whether this standby time has elapsed, and if it determines that the standby time has elapsed, it sets a customer waiting performance start command to start the customer waiting performance in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

In step S4313, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not an opening command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the opening command has been stored in the receiving buffer. If the performance control microcomputer 121 has not received an opening command (NO in S4313), it proceeds to step S4315, whereas if it has received an opening command (YES in S4313), it performs jackpot opening performance start processing associated with the start of the opening of the jackpot game (S4314).

In the jackpot opening performance start process, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the opening command and, based on the analysis result, determines whether or not to execute a jackpot opening performance corresponding to the opening of the jackpot game that is about to be executed. If executed, it selects the performance content of the jackpot opening performance (jackpot opening performance pattern) and sets a jackpot opening performance start command to the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 to start the jackpot opening performance with the selected jackpot opening performance pattern.

In step S4315, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not a round number designation command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the round number designation command has been stored in the reception buffer. If the round number designation command has not been received (NO in S4315), the process proceeds to step S4317, whereas if the round number designation command has been received (YES in S4315), the round presentation start process associated with the start of round play is performed (S4316).

In the round performance start process, the performance control microcomputer 121 analyzes the round number designation command and determines whether or not to execute a round performance corresponding to the round game that is about to start, and if so, selects the performance content of the round performance (round performance pattern) and sets the round performance start command corresponding to the selected round performance pattern in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

In step S4317, the presentation control microcomputer 121 determines whether or not an ending command has been received from the game control board 100, in other words, whether or not the ending command has been stored in the receiving buffer. If an ending command has not been received (NO in S4317), the received command analysis process ends. On the other hand, if an ending command has been received (YES in S4317), the jackpot ending presentation start process (S4318) associated with the start of the ending of the jackpot game and the presentation mode setting process (S4319) are performed before the received command analysis process ends.

In the jackpot ending presentation start process, the presentation control microcomputer 121 analyzes the ending command and determines whether or not to execute a jackpot ending presentation that corresponds to the ending of the jackpot game that is about to be executed, and if so, selects the presentation content of the jackpot ending presentation (jackpot ending presentation pattern) and sets the jackpot ending presentation start command that corresponds to the selected jackpot ending presentation pattern in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124.

In addition, in the presentation mode setting process, the presentation control microcomputer 121 performs a process to set the presentation mode after a jackpot game (a process to control the presentation mode) based on the analysis result of the ending command, specifically, the jackpot pattern indicated by the ending command.

For example, when the jackpot pattern indicated by the jackpot ending command is jackpot pattern A or jackpot pattern D, the presentation control microcomputer 121 sets the probability variable presentation mode, which indicates a high probability, high base game state. Then, a presentation mode flag indicating the probability variable presentation mode is turned ON in a specified area of the presentation RAM 124, and a probability variable presentation mode start command indicating that the probability variable presentation mode is set is set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124. When the probability variable presentation mode start command set in the output buffer of the presentation RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the probability variable background image G120 as the background image at the timing when the ending ends, and outputs the probability variable BGM as the BGM.

When the jackpot pattern indicated by the jackpot ending command is jackpot pattern B, jackpot pattern C, or jackpot pattern E, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a time-saving performance mode in which it is difficult or impossible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability high base game state or a low probability high base game state. The performance control microcomputer 121 then turns on a performance mode flag indicating the time-saving performance mode in a predetermined area of the performance RAM 124, and sets a time-saving performance mode start command indicating that the time-saving performance mode is set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. When the time-saving performance mode start command set in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004), the image control CPU 141 of the image control board 140 displays the time-saving background image G130 as the background image and outputs the time-saving BGM as the BGM at the timing when the ending ends.

First Embodiment
Next, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the basic embodiment of the present invention described above. In the following, the first embodiment will be mainly described with respect to the differences from the basic embodiment. Also, the same reference numerals and terms are used for the same configurations as the basic embodiment or the similar corresponding configurations.

In the basic embodiment, as the effects constituting the effect flow related to the special chart change effect (effect flow constituent effects), normal changes, reaches that suggest that the possibility of a game state advantageous to the player is higher than normal changes, and various reach effects, specifically, N reach, L reach, and SP reach, could be executed. In the first embodiment, in the special chart change effect, apart from the effect flow constituent effects such as reaches and various reach effects, a preview effect that suggests that a game state advantageous to the player may be entered, in other words, a preview effect whose execution increases the chances of a game state advantageous to the player, may be executed.

In the first embodiment, a special effect may be executed as a preview effect. The specific content of the special effect will be described later, but the special effect is performed using an effect image on the display unit 50a when normal fluctuations are occurring. The effect image for the special effect is composed of a specified character. In the special effect, a first action is first performed using a specified part of the specified character. This may be followed by a second action using the specified part, or by no second action at all. Furthermore, even if the second action is performed, this may be followed by a third action using the specified part, or by no third action at all.

In the first embodiment, the specified character related to the performance image used in the specific performance is composed of a male teacher, the specific body part is composed of the hand (palm), the first action is composed of the action of placing the hand on the decorative image G50 described below, the second action is composed of the action of raising the hand from the state where the hand is placed on the decorative image G50 and hitting the decorative image G50 with the hand, and the third action is composed of the action of writing on the board with chalk held in the hand.

In the following, a specific performance in which only the first action is performed (the second action is not performed after the first action) is referred to as a "first specific performance," a specific performance in which up to the second action is performed (the second action is performed after the first action, and the second action is not performed after the second action) is referred to as a "second specific performance," and a specific performance in which up to the third action is performed (the second action is performed after the first action, and the third action is performed after the second action) is referred to as a "third specific performance." The first specific performance, second specific performance, and third specific performance may also be referred to as specific performance types.

In addition, in the special effect, when the second action is performed, the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes. The change in the display mode of the decorative image G50 also constitutes the special effect. The details will be described later, but the decorative image G50 is displayed near the icon and the reserved icon. The display mode of the decorative image G50 includes a normal display mode (gray) and a special display mode that suggests a higher possibility of a jackpot game state than the normal display mode. The special display mode further includes a first special display mode (red), a second special display mode (gold), and a third special display mode (rainbow) in order of decreasing possibility of a jackpot game state. Therefore, in the special effect in which the second action is performed, the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes from the normal display mode to one of the special display modes.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes, a premonition effect may be executed before the specific effect is started, suggesting that the display mode of the decorative image G50 will change. When the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes, a premonition effect is not necessarily executed, but when a premonition effect is executed, the display mode of the decorative image G50 always changes. In other words, when a premonition effect is executed, a specific effect involving a second action is always executed. Note that in the premonition effect, the decorative image G50 enters a special state that is different from the normal state. The decorative image G50 is stationary in the normal state, but vibrates in the special state.

In the first embodiment, the hold change notice described in the basic embodiment and the change notice in which the display mode of the icon changes may be executed as the notice performance. In the change notice, a predetermined character common to the specific performance performs a fourth action on the icon, thereby changing the display mode of the icon. As described later, the hold icon and the display mode of the icon include a normal display mode (white) and a special display mode that suggests a higher possibility of a jackpot game state than the normal display mode. The special display mode further includes a first special display mode (white flashing), a second special display mode (green), a third special display mode (red), a fourth special display mode (gold), and a fifth special display mode (rainbow) in order of decreasing possibility of a jackpot game state. In the change notice, the display mode of the icon changes from the normal display mode, the first special display mode, or the second special display mode to the third special display mode, the fourth special display mode, or the fifth special display mode.

In the following, in order to distinguish between the display mode of the decorative image G50 related to the specific performance and the display mode of the reserved icon and the icon, the display mode of the decorative image G50 related to the specific performance will be referred to as the "decorative image mode", and the display mode of the reserved icon and the icon will be referred to as the "icon mode". Accordingly, the "normal display mode" and the "special display mode" of the decorative image G50 will be referred to as the "decorative image normal mode" and the "decorative image special mode", and the "normal display mode" and the "special display mode" of the reserved icon and the icon will be referred to as the "icon normal mode" and the "icon special mode".

Next, an example of the control content related to the specific effects and premonition effects will be described. Note that the control content described below is an example of the control content related to the specific effects and premonition effects, and therefore the control content is not limited to the content below and may be changed as appropriate.

For example, in step S4306, the performance control microcomputer 121 determines the special chart change performance pattern, and then performs a specific performance execution judgment to determine whether or not to execute a specific performance based on the special chart change start command.

The specific performance execution judgment is performed by referring to the specific performance execution judgment table. An example of the configuration of the specific performance execution judgment table is shown in FIG. 48(A). As shown in FIG. 48(A), the specific performance execution judgment table is associated with the special chart variation pattern. Specifically, the specific performance execution judgment table includes a specific performance execution judgment table for SP big win variation, a specific performance execution judgment table for L big win variation, a specific performance execution judgment table for SP miss variation, a specific performance execution judgment table for L miss variation, a specific performance execution judgment table for N miss variation, a specific performance execution judgment table for normal A miss variation, a specific performance execution judgment table for normal B miss variation, and a specific performance execution judgment table for normal C miss variation. Each specific performance execution judgment table shown in FIG. 48(A) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for executing/not executing the specific performance is the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 48(A).

As shown in FIG. 48(A), "execute" may be selected in both the case of a jackpot variation and a miss variation. Therefore, when a specific effect is executed, there is a possibility that a jackpot game state will be reached. In other words, a specific effect is an effect that suggests that a jackpot game state will be reached. Also, "execute" may be selected in the case of a special pattern variation that results in a reach, but "execute" is never selected in the case of a special pattern variation that does not result in a reach. Therefore, when a specific effect is executed, a reach will always be reached. In other words, a specific effect is an effect that suggests that a reach will be reached.

When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the specific performance execution determination that a specific performance is to be executed, it then performs a specific performance type determination based on the special chart change start command to determine the specific performance type, in other words, the extent to which the specific performance will be executed.

The specific effect type determination is performed by referring to the specific effect type determination table. An example of the configuration of the specific effect type determination table is shown in FIG. 48(B). As shown in FIG. 48(B), the specific effect type determination table is associated with the special chart change pattern. Specifically, the specific effect type determination tables include a specific effect type determination table for SP big win changes, a specific effect type determination table for L big win changes, a specific effect type determination table for SP miss changes, a specific effect type determination table for L miss changes, a specific effect type determination table for N miss changes, and a specific effect type determination table for normal A miss changes. Each specific effect type determination table shown in FIG. 48(B) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for each specific effect type is the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 48(B).

As shown in FIG. 48(B), in the case of an SP reach variation (SP jackpot variation, SP miss variation), an L reach variation (L jackpot variation, L miss variation), or an N miss variation, the "second specific performance" may be selected, but in the case of an A miss variation, the "second specific performance" is not usually selected. Therefore, when the second specific performance is executed, in other words, when the second action is performed in the specific performance, it is confirmed that a reach will be established. In other words, the execution of the second action in the specific performance is a performance that suggests that a reach will be established. Also, when the second specific performance is executed, in other words, when the second action is performed in the specific performance, it may develop into an L reach or an SP reach. In other words, the second action in the specific performance is a performance that suggests that there is a possibility of development into an L reach or an SP reach.

In addition, the "third specific effect" may be selected in both cases of an SP reach variation (SP jackpot variation, SP miss variation) and an L reach variation (L jackpot variation, L miss variation), but the "third specific effect" is never selected in the case of an N miss variation. Therefore, when the third specific effect is executed, in other words, when the third action is performed in the specific effect, it is determined that it will develop into an L reach or SP reach. In other words, the third action in the specific effect is an effect that suggests that it will develop into an L reach or SP reach.

Furthermore, the "first specific effect" may be selected in both the case of a jackpot variation (SP jackpot variation, L jackpot variation) and a miss variation (LSP miss variation, L miss variation, N miss variation, normal A miss variation), but the selection rate for the "first specific effect" is generally higher in the case of a miss variation. Therefore, when the first specific effect is executed, in other words, when only the first action is executed in the specific effect, there is a low possibility of a jackpot (a high possibility of a miss). In other words, the fact that the specific effect ends with the first action is an effect that suggests there is a low possibility of a jackpot (a high possibility of a miss).

In addition, the "third specific effect" may be selected in both cases of an SP jackpot fluctuation and an L jackpot fluctuation, as well as in both an SP miss fluctuation and an L miss fluctuation, but the selection rate for the "third specific effect" is generally higher in the case of a jackpot fluctuation. Therefore, when the third specific effect is executed, in other words, when up to the third action is performed in the specific effect, there is a high possibility of a jackpot (a low possibility of a miss). In other words, the third action in the specific effect is an effect that suggests there is a high possibility of a jackpot (a low possibility of a miss).

Furthermore, in the case of SP jackpot fluctuation and L jackpot fluctuation as well as SP miss fluctuation and L miss fluctuation, the selection rate for the "second specific effect" is higher than the selection rate for the "third specific effect". However, in both the SP jackpot fluctuation and SP miss fluctuation as well as the L jackpot fluctuation and L miss fluctuation, the ratio of the selection rate for the third specific effect to the selection rate for the jackpot to the selection rate for the miss is higher than that of the second specific effect. Also, in the normal A miss fluctuation, only the first specific effect is selected, and in the N miss fluctuation, the selection rate for the first specific effect is the highest. Therefore, in general, the expectation for the jackpot game state indicated by the specific effect type is higher in the order of first specific effect < second specific effect < third specific effect.

As mentioned above, in the special effect, the display mode of the decorative image changes in accordance with the second action by a specific part of a specific character. The display modes of the decorative image after the change are a first decorative image special mode, a second decorative image special mode, and a third decorative image special mode. Therefore, when the special effect type determination determines that the special effect is the second specific effect or the third specific effect, the second action will be performed in the special effect, and the effect control microcomputer 121 continues to perform a decorative image special mode determination to determine the decorative image special mode after the change based on the special chart change start command.

The decorative image special mode judgment is performed by referring to the decorative image special mode judgment table. An example of the configuration of the decorative image special mode judgment table is shown in FIG. 49(A). As shown in FIG. 49(A), the decorative image special mode judgment table is associated with the special chart variation pattern. Specifically, the decorative image mode judgment table includes a decorative image special mode judgment table for SP big win variation, a decorative image special mode judgment table for L big win variation, a decorative image special mode judgment table for SP miss variation, a decorative image special mode judgment table for L miss variation, and a decorative image special mode judgment table for N miss variation. Each decorative image special mode judgment table shown in FIG. 49(A) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for each decorative image special mode becomes the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 49(A).

As shown in FIG. 49(A), in the case of an SP reach variation (SP jackpot variation, SP miss variation), an L reach variation (L jackpot variation, L miss variation), or an N miss variation, the "first decorative image special mode" may be determined. Therefore, when the decorative image mode changes from the normal decorative image mode to the first decorative image special mode due to a specific presentation, it may progress from N reach to SP reach or L reach. In other words, the change of the decorative image from the normal decorative image mode to the first decorative image special mode is a presentation that suggests that there is a possibility of an SP reach or L reach being executed, which suggests that there is a higher possibility of a jackpot game state than an N reach.

In addition, in both cases of SP reach fluctuation (SP jackpot fluctuation, SP miss fluctuation) and L reach fluctuation (L jackpot fluctuation, L miss fluctuation), the "second decorative image special mode" may be determined, but in the case of an N miss fluctuation, the "second decorative image special mode" is never determined. Therefore, when the display mode of the decorative image changes from the normal decorative image mode to the second decorative image special mode due to a specific presentation, it will always progress from N reach to SP reach or L reach. In other words, the change of the decorative image from the normal decorative image mode to the second decorative image special mode is a presentation that suggests that an SP reach or L reach will be executed, which suggests that there is a higher possibility of a jackpot game state than an N reach.

Furthermore, in the case of an SP reach variation (SP jackpot variation, SP miss variation), the "third decorative image special mode" may be determined, but in the case of an L reach variation (L jackpot variation, L miss variation), the "third decorative image special mode" is never determined. Therefore, when the display mode of the decorative image changes from the normal decorative image mode to the third decorative image special mode due to a specific presentation, it will always progress from N reach to SP reach. In other words, the change of the decorative image from the normal decorative image mode to the third decorative image special mode is a presentation that suggests that an SP reach will be executed, which suggests that there is a high possibility of entering a jackpot game state.

In addition, when the performance control microcomputer 121 has determined that the specific performance type is the second specific performance or the third specific performance in the specific performance type determination, and has completed the decorative image special mode determination, it sets the result of the specific performance type determination and a command (specific performance start command) indicating the result of the decorative image special mode determination in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.In addition, when the performance control microcomputer 121 has determined that the specific performance type is the first specific performance in the specific performance type determination, it sets the command (specific performance start command) indicating the result of the specific performance type determination in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124.

The special effect start command set in the output buffer is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004). When the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 receives the special effect start command, it starts a special effect on the display unit 50a that reflects the results of the special effect type determination and the decorative image special mode determination indicated by the special effect start command when a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the special chart variable effect.

If the result of the specific effect type determination is the first specific effect, the image CPU 141 performs a first action using a specific part of a specific character on the display unit 50a, and ends the specific effect. If the result of the specific effect type determination is the second specific effect, the image CPU 141 performs a first action using a specific part of a specific character on the display unit 50a, and then performs a second action using a specific part of the specific character, and changes the display mode of the decorative image from the normal decorative image mode to one of the special decorative image modes corresponding to the result of the special decorative image mode determination, and ends the specific effect. If the result of the special effect type determination is the third special effect, the image CPU 141 performs a first action using a specific part of a specified character on the display unit 50a, then performs a second action using , and in response to the second action, changes the display mode of the decorative image from the normal decorative image mode to one of the special decorative image modes corresponding to the result of the special decorative image mode determination, and then performs a third action using , to end the special effect.

In addition, when the specific effect type determination determines that the specific effect is the second specific effect or the third specific effect, the performance control microcomputer 121 sets a specific effect start command in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124, and then performs a premonition effect execution determination to determine whether or not to execute a premonition effect based on the result of the decorative image special mode determination.

The premonition effect execution judgment is performed by referring to the premonition effect execution judgment table. An example of the configuration of the premonition effect execution judgment table is shown in FIG. 49(B). As shown in FIG. 49(B), the premonition effect execution judgment table is associated with the special decorative image mode. Specifically, the premonition effect execution judgment tables include a premonition effect execution judgment table for the first special decorative image mode, a premonition effect execution judgment table for the second special decorative image mode, and a premonition effect execution judgment table for the third special decorative image mode. Each premonition effect execution judgment table shown in FIG. 49(B) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for executing/not executing the premonition effect is a predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 49(B).

As shown in FIG. 49(B), the result of the decorative image special mode determination may be determined to be "execute" in either case. Therefore, when a premonition effect is executed, a specific effect is always executed, and the specific effect changes to one of the decorative image special modes. Furthermore, the probability of being determined to be "execute" is higher in the order of first decorative image special mode < second decorative image special mode < third decorative image special mode. Therefore, when a premonition effect is executed, there is the highest possibility that the specific effect will change to the third decorative image special mode. In other words, the premonition effect is an effect that suggests that the display mode of the decorative image will change, and that there is a high possibility that it will change to the third decorative image special mode in that case.

When the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the premonition performance execution determination that a premonition performance is to be executed, it sets a command indicating that a premonition performance is to be executed (premonition performance start command) in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. The premonition performance start command set in the output buffer is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004).

When the image CPU 141 receives the premonition effect start command, it performs a premonition effect in which the decorative image vibrates (puts it into a special state) immediately after starting the special chart change effect (changing display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3) on the display unit 50a. Note that, as described below, when a specified character hits the decorative image as a second action in a specific effect, the image CPU 141 stops the vibration of the decorative image and ends the premonition effect. In other words, the premonition effect (vibration of the decorative image) continues from the start of the special chart change effect (changing display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3) until just before the display state of the decorative image changes.

Next, an example of the hold change notice in the first embodiment and the control content related to the change notice will be described. Note that the control content described below is an example of the hold change notice and the control content related to the change notice, so the control content is not limited to the content below and may be changed as appropriate.

For example, in step S4302, the performance control microcontroller 121 performs a hold change notice execution judgment to determine whether or not to execute the hold change notice based on the start winning command.

The reserve change notice execution judgment is executed by referring to the reserve change notice execution judgment table. An example of the configuration of the reserve change notice execution judgment table is shown in FIG. 50(A). As shown in FIG. 50(A), the reserve change notice execution judgment table is associated with the special chart change pattern information. Specifically, the reserve change notice execution judgment tables include a reserve change notice execution judgment table for SP big win fluctuation, a reserve change notice execution judgment table for L big win fluctuation, a reserve change notice execution judgment table for SP miss fluctuation, a reserve change notice execution judgment table for L miss fluctuation, a reserve change notice execution judgment table for N miss fluctuation, and a reserve change notice execution judgment table for normal miss fluctuation. Each reserve change notice execution judgment table shown in FIG. 50(A) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for executing/not executing the reserve change notice is the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 50(A).

As shown in FIG. 50(A), the special chart change pattern information indicated by the start winning command may be determined to "execute" in both the case of a jackpot change and a miss change. Therefore, when the reserved change notice is executed, there is a possibility of a jackpot occurring in the special chart variable display (reserved change target change) based on the special chart reserved indicated by the reserved icon for which the reserved change notice was made. In other words, the reserved change notice is an effect that suggests that there is a possibility of a jackpot game state. Also, the special chart change pattern information indicated by the start winning command may be determined to "execute" in both the case of a special chart change that results in a reach and the case of a special chart change that does not result in a reach. Therefore, when the reserved change notice is executed, there is a possibility of a reach occurring in the special chart change effect (reserved change target change effect) according to the reserved change target change. In other words, the reserved change notice is an effect that suggests that there is a possibility of a reach.

In the first embodiment, five special modes are provided as special display modes (icon special modes) of the hold icon related to the hold change notice: a first icon special mode (flashing white), a second icon special mode (green), a third icon special mode (red), a fourth icon special mode (gold), and a fifth icon special mode (rainbow). Therefore, when the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the hold change notice execution determination that the hold change notice is to be executed, it continues to perform a hold change notice mode determination based on the start winning command to determine the special display mode of the hold icon after the change.

The reserve change notice mode judgment is performed by referring to the reserve change notice mode judgment table. An example of the reserve change notice mode judgment table is shown in FIG. 50(B). As shown in FIG. 50(B), the reserve change notice mode judgment table is associated with the special chart change pattern information. Specifically, the reserve change notice mode judgment table includes a reserve change notice mode judgment table for SP big win fluctuation, a reserve change notice mode judgment table for L big win fluctuation, a reserve change notice mode judgment table for SP miss fluctuation, a reserve change notice mode judgment table for L miss fluctuation, a reserve change notice mode judgment table for N miss fluctuation, and a reserve change notice mode judgment table for normal miss fluctuation. Each reserve change notice mode judgment table shown in FIG. 50(B) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for each reserve change notice mode becomes the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 50(B).

As shown in FIG. 50(B), the special chart change pattern information may be determined to be the "first icon special mode" or the "second icon special mode" in the case of an SP reach change (SP jackpot change, SP miss change), an L reach change (L jackpot change, L miss change), an N miss change, or a normal miss change. Therefore, when a hold icon of the first icon special mode or the second icon special mode is displayed as a hold change notice, the hold change target change presentation indicates the possibility of a reach being established, the possibility of developing from N reach to SP reach or L reach, and the possibility of a jackpot. In other words, a hold change notice that becomes the first icon special mode or the second icon special mode is a presentation that suggests the possibility of a reach being established, the possibility of developing from N reach to SP reach or L reach, and the possibility of a jackpot.

In addition, the "third icon special mode" may be determined in the case of an SP reach variation (SP jackpot variation, SP miss variation), an L reach variation (L jackpot variation, L miss variation), or an N miss variation, but the probability of the "third icon special mode" being determined in the case of an N miss variation is extremely low compared to the cases of an SP reach variation and an L reach variation. Therefore, when a reserve icon in the third icon special mode is displayed as a reserve change notice, although there is a possibility that a reach will not be established in the reserve change target change presentation, there is a high possibility that it will develop into an SP reach or an L reach. In other words, a reserve change notice that becomes the third icon special mode is a presentation that suggests that there is a possibility that a reach will not be established, but there is a high possibility that it will develop into an SP reach or an L reach.

When the performance control microcomputer 121 has completed the hold change notice mode determination, it sets a command (hold change notice start command) indicating the result of the hold change notice mode determination in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. The hold change notice start command set in the output buffer is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004).

When the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 receives the hold change notification start command, it performs a hold change notification on the display unit 50a immediately after displaying the hold icon in the normal display mode, changing the display mode of the hold icon to the display mode indicated by the hold change notification start command.

In addition, before making a hold change notice execution judgment, the performance control microcomputer 121, in response to receiving the start winning command, sets a command (special chart hold performance start command) in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124 indicating that the hold icon representing the special chart hold caused by the start winning command should be displayed in the normal display mode. The special chart hold performance start command set in the output buffer is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004) prior to the hold change notice start command. When the image CPU 141 receives the special chart hold performance start command, it displays the hold icon in the normal display mode appropriately according to the hold order on the display unit 50a.

In addition, for example, in step S4306, if the display mode of the icon representing the special chart variable display that is about to begin is any one of the normal icon mode, the first icon special mode, and the second icon special mode, and a specific performance is not being executed, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs the aforementioned decorative image mode determination, and then performs a change notice execution determination based on the special chart variable command to determine whether or not to execute the change notice.

As mentioned above, the performance control microcomputer 121 performs a hold change notice execution judgment when the start winning command is received, in other words, when a special chart hold occurs, and if it is judged that the hold change notice should be executed, executes the hold change notice. In this case, the performance control microcomputer 121 appropriately stores in the performance RAM 124 the hold change notice to be executed and the special display mode of the hold icon related to the hold change notice in association with the special chart hold corresponding to the hold icon. Then, in step S4306, the performance control microcomputer 121 judges whether the display mode of the icon representing the special chart variable display to be started is the icon normal mode, the first icon special mode, or the second icon special mode. If it is any of the icon normal mode, the first icon special mode, and the second icon special mode, the performance control microcomputer 121 further checks whether a specific performance is not executed in the special chart variable performance to be started. The change notice execution determination is made after the decorative image mode determination, and so it is checked whether or not a specific effect will be executed based on the result of the specific effect execution determination made immediately before. If it is determined that a specific effect will not be executed, the effect control microcomputer 121 makes the change notice execution determination.

The change notice execution judgment is executed by referring to the change notice execution judgment table. An example of the configuration of the change notice execution judgment table is shown in FIG. 51(A). As shown in FIG. 51(A), the change notice execution judgment table is associated with the special chart change pattern. Specifically, the change notice execution judgment table includes a change notice execution judgment table for SP big win fluctuation, a change notice execution judgment table for L big win fluctuation, a change notice execution judgment table for SP miss fluctuation, a change notice execution judgment table for L miss fluctuation, a change notice execution judgment table for N miss fluctuation, and a change notice execution judgment table for normal miss fluctuation. Each change notice execution judgment table shown in FIG. 51(A) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for executing/not executing the change notice is the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 51(A).

As shown in FIG. 51(A), the special chart change pattern may be determined to "execute" whether it is a jackpot change or a miss change. Therefore, when the change notice is executed, there is a possibility that a jackpot will occur in the special chart change display (the change target change) corresponding to the icon, i.e., the currently executed special chart change display. In other words, the change notice is a presentation that suggests that a jackpot game state may be reached. Also, the special chart change pattern may be determined to "execute" in the case of a special chart change that results in a reach, but is never determined to "execute" in the case of a special chart change that does not result in a reach. Therefore, when the change notice is executed, a reach will always be established in the special chart change presentation (the change target change presentation) corresponding to the change target change. In other words, the change notice is a presentation that suggests that a reach will occur.

In the first embodiment, three types of special display modes are provided as special display modes of the icon after the change related to the change notice: the third icon special mode (red), the fourth icon special mode (gold), and the fifth icon special mode (rainbow). Therefore, when the performance control microcomputer 121 determines in the change notice execution determination that the change notice is to be executed, it continues to perform the change notice mode determination based on the special chart change start command to determine the special display mode of the icon after the change.

The change notice mode judgment is performed by referring to the change notice mode judgment table. An example of the configuration of the change notice mode judgment table is shown in FIG. 51(B). As shown in FIG. 51(B), the change notice mode judgment table is associated with the special chart change pattern. Specifically, the change notice mode judgment table includes a change notice mode judgment table for SP big win fluctuation, a change notice mode judgment table for L big win fluctuation, a change notice mode judgment table for SP miss fluctuation, a change notice mode judgment table for L miss fluctuation, and a change notice mode judgment table for N miss fluctuation. Each change notice mode judgment table shown in FIG. 51(B) is appropriately configured so that the selection rate for each change notice mode is the predetermined selection rate shown in FIG. 51(B).

As shown in FIG. 51(B), in the case of an SP reach variation (SP jackpot variation, SP miss variation), an L reach variation (L jackpot variation, L miss variation), an N miss variation, or a normal miss variation, the "third icon special mode" may be determined. Therefore, when the icon changes to the third icon special mode, the change subject variation presentation may result in a reach being established, a possibility of developing from N reach to SP reach or L reach, and a jackpot. In other words, the change notice resulting in the third icon special mode is a presentation that suggests that there is a possibility of a reach being established, a possibility of developing from N reach to SP reach or L reach, and a possibility of a jackpot.

In addition, in both cases of SP reach fluctuation (SP jackpot fluctuation, SP miss fluctuation) and L reach fluctuation (L jackpot fluctuation, L miss fluctuation), the "4th icon special mode" may be determined, but in the case of an N miss fluctuation, the "4th icon special mode" will never be determined. Therefore, when the display mode of the icon changes to the 4th icon special mode in the change notice, there is a high possibility that the change target change performance will definitely develop into an SP reach or L reach. In other words, the change notice that becomes the 4th icon special mode is a performance that suggests that it will develop into an SP reach or L reach.

When the performance control microcomputer 121 has completed the change notice mode determination, it sets a command indicating the result of the change notice mode determination (the change notice start command) in the output buffer of the performance RAM 124. The change notice start command set in the output buffer is sent to the image control board 140 by the command sending process (S4004).

When the image CPU 141 of the image control board 140 receives the change notice start command, it shifts the reserved icon that was number 1 in the reserved order and displays it as the icon, and then immediately performs the change notice by changing the display mode of the icon on the display unit 50a to the display mode indicated by the change notice start command. When the change notice starts, the performance control microcomputer 121 first displays a specified character and has the icon perform a fourth action using a specific part of the specified character, thereby changing the display mode of the icon to a display mode corresponding to the result of the change notice mode determination.

Next, in the normal presentation mode according to the first embodiment, the pending display area 50d of the display unit 50a and the decorative image G50 displayed near the display area 50e will be described. As described in the basic embodiment, the display unit 50a is formed with the first area 50d1 to the fourth area 50d4 (pending display area 50d) that displays pending icons of pending order 1 to pending order 4, and the display area 50e that displays the icons. However, in the first embodiment, in the normal presentation mode, the decorative image G50 is displayed directly below the first area 50d1 to the fourth area 50d4 (pending display area 50d) and the display area 50e. Figure 52 is a diagram showing the decorative image G50 displayed on the display unit 50a.

The decorative image G50 is generally formed in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, and can be displayed at the bottom end of the display unit 50a in the normal performance mode. The decorative image G50 is basically displayed superimposed on the normal background images G111-113 except when the customer waiting demo video G100, the L reach background image G114, and the SP reach background image G115 are displayed. In other words, in a situation where a demo performance is executed (the customer waiting demo video G100 is displayed) without a special chart variable display or a game such as a big win game being played, or where an L reach or an SP reach is not displayed (the L reach background image G114 or the SP reach background image G115 is displayed) during a special chart variable display, and normal miss fluctuations and N reach fluctuations are repeatedly executed, the decorative image G50 continues to be displayed seamlessly across multiple special chart variable displays. Therefore, if a special chart stop display is performed in a manner that indicates a miss in a certain special chart variable display, and then the next special chart variable display starts, the decorative image G50 continues to be displayed seamlessly without change even when the special chart variable display is switched.

The decorative image G50 also includes a hold icon placement image G50a that is displayed adjacent to the lower side of the hold display area 50d and on which the hold icon is placed, an icon placement image G50b that is displayed adjacent to the lower side of the display area 50e and on which the icon is placed, and a base image G50c that acts as a base and integrally supports the hold icon placement image G50a and the icon placement image G50b.

The hold icon placing image G50a further includes a first hold icon placing image G50a1 on which the hold icon displayed in the first region 50d1 is placed, a second hold icon placing image G50a2 on which the hold icon displayed in the second region 50d2 is placed, a third hold icon placing image G50a3 on which the hold icon displayed in the third region 50d3 is placed, and a fourth hold icon placing image G50a4 on which the hold icon displayed in the fourth region 50d4 is placed. The first hold icon placing image G50a1, the second hold icon placing image G50a2, the third hold icon placing image G50a3, the fourth hold icon placing image G50a4, and the icon placing image G50b all represent pedestals of low height.

The display mode related to the color of the decorative image G50 can be a normal display mode (normal decorative image mode) or a special display mode (special decorative image mode). In FIG. 52, the decorative image G50 in the normal decorative image mode is displayed. In addition, the state related to the operation of the decorative image G50 can be a normal state in which it is stopped or a special state in which it is vibrating.

Next, using Figures 53 to 56, we will explain specific examples of special effects that do not involve premonition effects that are executed on the display unit 50a in the normal effect mode. Figures 53 and 54 are figures showing how a first action is being performed in a special effect, Figure 55 is a figure showing how a second action is being performed in a special effect, and Figure 56 is a figure showing how a third action is being performed in a special effect.

In addition, in FIG. 53(A), which shows the most recent situation in FIG. 53 to FIG. 56, the special chart change performance just before the special chart change performance in which the specific performance is performed is executed, and at that time, there are four special chart 1 reserved, and the icon HA9 in the normal mode is placed on the icon placement image G50b, the reserved icon HA0 in the normal mode corresponding to reserved order 1 is placed on the first reserved icon placement image G50a1, the reserved icon HA1 in the normal mode corresponding to reserved order 2 is placed on the second reserved icon placement image G50a2, the reserved icon HA2 in the normal mode corresponding to reserved order 3 is placed on the third reserved icon placement image G50a3, and the reserved icon HA3 in the third icon special mode corresponding to reserved order 4 is placed on the fourth reserved icon placement image G50a4. Although not shown, in FIG. 53 to FIG. 56, it is assumed that one of the normal background images G111 to G113 is displayed on the display unit 50a.

For example, as shown in FIG. 53(A), when the special chart change performance immediately before the special chart change performance in which a specific performance is performed is being performed in response to the special chart 1 change display, if the special chart 1 stop display related to a miss is performed, as shown in FIG. 53(B), the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 are displayed stopped in a manner indicating a miss, and the icon HA9 disappears. Note that, as shown in FIG. 53(A) to FIG. 53(B), the decorative image G50 is continuously displayed from when the special chart 1 change display is being performed until the special chart 1 stop display is performed.

Next, when the special chart variable display corresponding to the special chart 1 reserved in reservation order 1 indicated by the reserved icon HA0 in Figures 53(A) to 53(B) is started, as shown in Figure 53(C), the special chart variable performance (variable display of performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3) is started, and the reserved icons HA0 to HA3 representing the special chart reserved in reservation order 1 to reservation order 4 in Figure 53(A) shift one by one. Note that when the special chart 1 variable display is started in this way, the decorative image G50 is displayed seamlessly without changing from when the special chart 1 stop display was performed immediately before.

When a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the special chart change performance (changing display of performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3), the specific performance starts. When the specific performance starts, as shown in FIG. 53(C), first, a character image G51 representing a specific character (a male teacher) moves leftward and frames in from the right edge of the display unit 50a.

The character image G51 maintains a sideways posture while moving to the left. The character image G51 also displays the upper part of the specified character from roughly the waist up. In addition, since no premonition performance is executed here, even if the special chart change performance starts, the decorative image G50 is maintained in a normal state where it does not vibrate or stop.

When the character image G51 reaches the left-right center of the display unit 50a, it faces forward as shown in FIG. 53(A), and then, as shown in FIG. 54(B), it gently places both hands on the decorative image G50. This action of placing both hands of the character image G51 on the decorative image G50 constitutes the first action related to the specific performance. In addition, when the character image G51 performs the first action, the tips of the fingers of the hand placed on the decorative image G50 face forward, and the tips of the hands are mainly visible.

The first action is performed for a predetermined time (for example, one second). If the specific effect is the first specific effect, the specific effect ends with the first action. In this case, as shown in FIG. 54(C), the character image G51 moves sideways from the center to the left edge of the display unit 50a in the left-right direction, and then disappears from the frame of the display unit 50a. The specific effect ends when the character image G51 disappears.

On the other hand, if the specific effect is the second specific effect or the third specific effect, the specific effect continues, and the first action is followed by a second action using the specific body part, the hands. In this case, the character image G51 first faces forward and slowly raises both arms backwards, using both shoulders as fulcrums, as shown in Figures 55(A) to 55(B). At this time, both hands of the character image G51 reach their highest point.

Next, as shown in Figures 55 (B) to 55 (D), the character image G51 swings both hands down in one go in the opposite direction to when they were raised, and hits the decorative image G50 hard. This action of swinging both hands of the character image G51 backwards, then swinging them down in the opposite direction to hit the decorative image G50, constitutes the second action related to the specific performance. Also, when the decorative image G50 is hit hard, both hands of the character image G51 reach their lowest point.

In the second action using both hands of the character image G51, the tips of both hands are visible at first, but while they are raised toward the highest point shown in FIG. 55(B), the palms gradually appear, and when they reach the highest point, the palms become completely visible. Then, while they are lowered toward the lowest point shown in FIG. 55(D), the palms gradually disappear, and when they finally reach the lowest point and hit the decorative image G50, the tips become visible again. In this way, a larger part of the target hand is visible in the second action than in the first action. Furthermore, the angle of the hand is different between the first action and the second action. In addition, while the hands are gently and softly placed on the decorative image G50 in the first action, in the second action, both hands are raised once and then lowered in one go to hit the decorative image G50 violently, so the second action is more intense than the first action in terms of the distance of movement of the target hand, the degree of the action, and the time required for the action as described later.

In addition, in a specific performance, the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes from the normal display mode to one of the special display modes determined by the decorative image mode determination in response to the second action. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 55(C) to 55(D), when both hands of the character image G51 clap the decorative image G50, the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes. In detail, the display mode of the base image G50c that constitutes the decorative image G50 changes.

The second action is performed for a predetermined time (e.g., 2 seconds) longer than the first action. If the specific effect is the second specific effect, the specific effect ends with the second action. In this case, just like when the first specific effect ends, the character image G51 moves sideways from the center to the left edge of the display unit 50a in the left-right direction, and then disappears from the frame of the display unit 50a (see FIG. 54 (B)). The specific effect ends when the character image G51 disappears.

On the other hand, if the specific effect is the third specific effect, the specific effect continues, and the third action using the specific part, the hand, is performed following the second action. However, as shown in FIG. 56(A), when the character image G51 hits the decorative image G50 as the second action, the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) changes and an image G52 (third action image G52) used in the third action is displayed. In the first embodiment, the third action image G52 includes a blackboard image G52a composed of a blackboard and a chalk image G52b composed of chalk, and is displayed behind the character image G51.

As the third action, as shown in FIG. 56(B), the character image G51 grabs the chalk image G52b with its hand and writes something on the blackboard image G52a with the chalk image G52b. In the third action, the character image G51 moves its arm vigorously in a manner more intense than the second action, specifically, moves its hand holding the chalk image G52b back and forth multiple times. Thus, the third action is more intense than the second action in terms of the distance traveled by the hand of the action subject, the degree of the action, and the time required for the action as described below.

The third action is performed for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) that is longer than the second action. When the third action ends, similar to the end of the first and second specific effects, the character image G51 moves sideways from the center to the left edge of the display unit 50a, and then disappears from the frame of the display unit 50a (see FIG. 54(B)).

As the character image G51 moves after the third action, the entire blackboard image G52a (especially the central part that overlapped with the character image G51) gradually becomes visible, and when the character image G51 frames out of the display unit 50a, the entire blackboard image G52a becomes visible. At this time, as shown in FIG. 56(C), the blackboard image G52a has the word "Gekiatsu" written on it, suggesting that there is a high possibility of a jackpot game state. The third action image G52 including the blackboard image G52a disappears when a predetermined time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the character image G51 frames out of the display unit 50a. The third specific performance ends with the disappearance of the third action image G52, as shown in FIG. 56(D).

Next, using Fig. 57 to Fig. 58, a specific example of a specific effect without a premonition effect executed on the display unit 50a in the normal effect mode will be described. Fig. 57 and Fig. 58 are diagrams showing a state in which a specific effect with a premonition effect is being performed. Note that Fig. 58 (A), which shows the most advanced situation among Fig. 57 and Fig. 58, is a situation immediately after the special chart variable effect has started, in which there are three special chart 1 reserved, the icon HA0 in the icon normal mode is placed on the icon placement image G50b, the reserved icon HA1 in the normal mode corresponding to the reserved order 1 is placed on the first reserved icon placement image G50a1, the reserved icon HA2 in the normal mode corresponding to the reserved order 2 is placed on the second reserved icon placement image G50a2, and the reserved icon HA3 in the third icon special mode corresponding to the reserved order 3 is placed on the third reserved icon placement image G50a3.

As shown in FIG. 57(A), when the special chart change effect (changing display of effect patterns EZ1 to EZ3) starts, the premonition effect also starts. When the premonition effect starts, the entire decorative image G50 vibrates. As mentioned above, when the premonition effect is executed, the second action of the specific effect is always performed, and the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes.

Then, when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the special chart variation effect while the premonition effect is being continuously executed (the decorative image G50 is vibrating), the specific effect is executed in the same manner as when there is no premonition effect, except that the decorative image G50 is vibrating. Therefore, in response to the start of the specific effect, the character image G51 moves to the left and comes into the frame from the right end of the display unit 50a (not shown).

After that, the premonition effects continue to be executed, but the specific effects proceed in the same way as when no premonition effects are involved. Therefore, as shown in Figures 57(B) to 57(D), when the character image G51 reaches the left-right center of the display unit 50a and faces forward, it gently places both hands on the decorative image G50, and as a second action, it raises and then lowers both hands.

After this, in both the second specific performance (see FIG. 58 (A-1)) and the third specific performance (see FIG. 58 (A-2)), the character image G51 hits the decorative image G50 with both hands as the final stage of the second action, and the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) changes accordingly. Then, at this time, the vibration of the decorative image G50 stops and the decorative image G50 returns to its normal state, and the premonition performance ends. In other words, the premonition performance ends in response to the change in the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) (second action).

When the character image G51 hits the decorative image G50 with both hands, in the case of the second specific effect, as shown in FIG. 58 (A-1), nothing further occurs as a specific effect, whereas in the case of the third specific effect, as shown in FIG. 58 (A-2), the third action image G52 appears. Then, in the case of the second specific effect, as shown in FIG. 59 (B-1), the specific effect ends, whereas in the case of the third specific effect, as shown in FIG. 59 (B-2), the third action continues.

Next, a specific example of the change notice in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 59. FIG. 59 shows the state in which the change notice is being performed. FIG. 59(A), which shows the most advanced situation in FIG. 59, is a situation immediately after the special chart change performance has started, where there are three special chart 1 reservations, the icon HA0 in the first icon special mode (white flashing) is placed on the icon placement image G50b, the reservation icon HA1 in the normal mode corresponding to reservation order 1 is placed on the first reservation icon placement image G50a1, the reservation icon HA2 in the normal mode corresponding to reservation order 2 is placed on the second reservation icon placement image G50a2, and the reservation icon HA3 in the normal mode corresponding to reservation order 3 is placed on the third reservation icon placement image G50a3.

As shown in FIG. 59(A), the change notice begins when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed since the start of the special chart change performance (changing display of performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3). When the change notice begins, as with the specific performance, first the character image G51 moves leftward and frames in from the right edge of the display unit 50a (not shown). Then, when the character image G51 reaches the left-right center of the display unit 50a, it faces forward as shown in FIG. 59(B), and then, as shown in FIG. 59(C), it gently strokes the icon HA0 with its right hand. This action of the character image G51 gently stroking the icon HA0 with its right hand constitutes the fourth action related to the change notice.

Then, when the character image G51 strokes the icon HA0 as the fourth action, the display mode of the icon HA0 changes to one of the special icon modes (third icon special mode (red), fourth icon special mode (gold), fifth icon special mode (rainbow)) according to the result of the change advance notice mode determination.

As mentioned above, when the change notice is executed, the display mode of the icon HA0 before the change (when the special chart change performance starts) is either the normal icon mode (white), the first icon special mode (white flashing), or the second icon special mode (green) (in the example of Figure 59, the first icon special mode).

When the display mode of the icon HA0 changes as a change notice, the change notice ends. In this case, just as at the end of a specific performance, the character image G51 that has completed the fourth action moves sideways from the center to the left edge of the display unit 50a (see FIG. 54(B)), and then disappears out of the frame of the display unit 50a, as shown in FIG. 59(D). The change notice ends when the character image G51 disappears.

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine PY1 can display icons corresponding to the special chart variable display, such as a reserved icon representing a reserved special chart variable display and the icon representing an active special chart variable display, and can further display a decorative image G50 near the reserved icon or the icon. When the decorative image G50 is displayed in the normal display mode, it may be changed from the normal display mode to a special display mode (first decorative image special mode, second decorative image special mode, third decorative image special mode) that suggests a higher possibility of a jackpot game state than in the normal display mode. Since the reserved icon and the icon are easy for the player to notice, it is possible to increase the player's interest in the game by making it easier for the player to notice changes in the display mode of the decorative image G50.

Furthermore, the decorative image G50 basically continues to be displayed without changing across multiple special chart variable displays. Therefore, the player does not show much interest in the decorative image G50, but the display mode of such a decorative image G50 may change to increase the possibility of a jackpot game state, so the change in the display mode can have an impact and increase the interest in the game. Furthermore, the decorative image G50 basically continues to be displayed without changing from the end of the previous special chart variable display to the start of the current special chart variable display. Therefore, the player does not show much interest in the decorative image G50, but the display mode of such a decorative image G50 may change to increase the possibility of a jackpot game state, so the change in the display mode can have an impact and increase the interest in the game.

Furthermore, when the display mode of the decorative image G50 changes, the decorative image G50 that has been stopped may vibrate before that as a premonition suggesting the change. Therefore, even when the display mode of the decorative image G50 has not changed, it is possible to draw attention to the decorative image G50 and increase interest in the game.

In addition, the pachinko game machine PY1 can execute a specific effect that includes a first action (placing the hand on the decorative image G50) by a specific part (hand) of a specific character (male teacher), and in the specific effect, there are times when the first action is followed by a second action (hitting the decorative image G50 with the hand) by the specific part, and times when the second action is not performed after the first action. Because the first action and the second action are associated with a common specific part, when a specific character appears, it draws the player's attention to the specific part, increasing interest in the game and making the specific effect easier to understand, preventing a decline in the effect of the effect.

Furthermore, in the specific performance, the second action is configured to be more intense than the first action. As a result, the specific performance is more distinct, and the performance effect of the specific performance can be improved. Also, in the specific performance, the part where the specific body part is visible during the second action is configured to be larger than the part where the specific body part is visible during the first action. As a result, the specific performance is more distinct, and the performance effect of the specific performance can be improved. Furthermore, in the specific performance, the part where the specific body part is visible during the first action is different from the part where the specific body part is visible during the second action. As a result, the specific performance is more distinct, and the performance effect of the specific performance can be improved.

In addition, after the second action, a third action (writing on the board with a hand holding chalk) may be performed using a specific part of the body, and sometimes the third action is not performed after the second action. Because the first action, second action, and third action are associated with a common specific part of the body, the specific performance is made easy to understand and the performance effect is prevented from decreasing. Furthermore, in the specific performance, the third action is configured to be more intense than the second action. As a result, the specific performance is made more distinct, and the performance effect of the specific performance can be improved.

The pachinko game machine PY1 can display an icon (reserved icon, the icon) in response to the occurrence of a special reserved pattern, and can also display a decorative image G50 related to the icon. A reserved change notice can be executed to display the icon in a special icon mode (flashing white, green, red, gold, rainbow) suggesting that the probability of a jackpot game state being reached is higher than in the normal icon mode, and a specific effect can be executed to display the decorative image G50 in a special decorative image mode (red, gold, rainbow) suggesting that the probability of a jackpot game state being reached is higher than in the normal decorative image mode, the specific effect being performed by a specified character (a male teacher), and the reserved change notice can be performed by a specified character.

The special icon modes (flashing white, green, red, gold, rainbow) include specific special icon modes (red, gold, rainbow) that can become the display mode after the change in the change notice using a specific character, and non-specific special icon modes (flashing white, green) that cannot become the display mode after the change in the change notice using a specific character. Therefore, the change notice using a specific character can be made more distinct to improve the presentation effect. Moreover, the specific special icon modes (red, gold, rainbow) are display modes that suggest a higher probability of a jackpot game state than non-specific special icon modes (flashing white, green), so the presentation effect of the change notice using a specific character can be effectively improved.

(Modification of the first embodiment)
Next, modified examples of the pachinko gaming machine PY1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Note that the modified examples described below can be appropriately combined with each other.

In the first embodiment, the predetermined character related to the specific performance is set to a male teacher, but the specific content is not limited to a male teacher and can be changed as appropriate. The predetermined character may be a person other than a male teacher, a non-human living thing such as an animal, or a non-living thing such as a machine. In addition, the specific part targeted by the first action, second action, and third action related to the specific performance is not limited to the "hand" but may be other parts of a person, and may be changed as appropriate according to the specific character content. Furthermore, the specific content of each action (first action, second action, third action) related to the specific performance is not limited to the first embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate according to the specific part and the specific character content. However, from the viewpoint of adding sharpness to the specific performance, it is desirable that the intensity related to the action increases in the order of first action < second action < third action. Furthermore, it is desirable that at least the part where the specific part can be seen during the second action is larger than the part where the specific part can be seen during the first action. Furthermore, it is desirable that the part where the specific part can be seen during the first action is different from the part where the specific part can be seen during the second action. Additionally, the specific performance is configured to be able to execute up to the third action, but it may also be configured to be able to execute other actions after the third action.

In the first embodiment, the specific performance including the first action, the second action, and the third action is started when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the special chart change performance, and is executed within the normal change, but the start timing and execution period of the specific performance are not limited to the first embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. The start timing may be set to start when a time other than the predetermined time according to the first embodiment has elapsed after the start of the special chart change performance, and other performances such as the establishment of a reach may be used as the standard for the start timing. Furthermore, the execution period may be set to enable the specific performance to be executed during a period spanning the normal change and the reach performance, during a period during which an N reach is being executed, or during a period during which an SP reach is being executed. Also, two or more of the start timing and execution period of the specific performance, or both, may be set. In this case, the possibility of entering a jackpot game state may differ depending on the start timing and execution period.

Furthermore, the contents suggested by the specific effects and each of the actions constituting the specific effects are not limited to those in the first embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. For example, in addition to the possibility of entering a jackpot game state, the contents suggested by the specific effects or each of the actions constituting the specific effects may be that a specific jackpot game in which it is relatively easy to win prize balls will be executed, that a high probability state will occur after the jackpot game, or that a time-saving state will occur after the jackpot game.

In the first embodiment, the image displayed on the image display device 50 executes a specific performance including a first action, a second action, and a third action using a specific part that constitutes a specific character, but a movable device may execute a specific performance including a first action, a second action, and a third action using a specific part that constitutes a specific character. In this case, the visible part or size of the specific part may change between the first action and the second action as a result of the specific performance being executed.

Although the special performance is executed in the special chart change performance in the normal performance mode, it may be executed in the special chart change performance in other performance modes such as the probability change performance mode or the time-saving performance mode. Alternatively, the special performance may be executed in the big win game performance. In this case, the content suggested by the special performance and each of the operations constituting the special performance may be changed appropriately. Furthermore, the special performance may be executed as a look-ahead performance based on the start winning command, in one special chart change performance before the special chart change performance is executed, or across multiple special chart change performances. In this case, too, the content suggested by the special performance and each of the operations constituting the special performance may be changed appropriately.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the display mode of the base image G50c constituting the decorative image G50 may change in response to the second action of the specific performance, but the object of the change may not be a part of the decorative image G50, but the entire decorative image G50. Alternatively, it may be a part of the decorative image G50 that is different from the base image G50c, such as the pending icon placement image G50a or the icon placement image G50b.

The object whose display mode changes in response to the second action of the specific effect is not limited to the decorative image G50 and may be changed as appropriate. However, in order to make it easier to notice the change in display mode, it is desirable that the object whose display mode changes in response to the second action of the specific effect is the vicinity of the icon being displayed. For example, in the first embodiment, a character other than the specified character may be displayed to the left of the icon or to the right of the reserved icon indicating reserved order 4, and the second action related to the specific effect may be performed on the specified character, causing the display mode of the other character to change. The second action related to the specific effect may also be performed on a part of the normal background images G111-G113 that is displayed near the icon, causing the display mode of the part to change.

Furthermore, the specific display content of the decorative image G50 is not limited to the first embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the configuration of the decorative image G50 is not limited to the first embodiment and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the decorative image G50 may not include the pending icon placement image G50a or the icon placement image G50b, and may be configured to be composed only of the base image G50c. In this case, the pending icon and the icon may be placed on the base image G50c.

Furthermore, the first action and the second action related to the specific performance are performed on the decorative image G50, and it is the decorative image G50 whose display mode changes due to the specific performance. The action target of the first action and the second action and the target whose display mode changes are configured to be the same, but they may be different. Alternatively, there may be no action target for either or both of the first action and the second action, and some action that is completed at a specific part may be performed. Furthermore, the action target of the first action and the action target of the second action may be different.

In addition, the display mode of the hold icon and the icon may be changed as appropriate, without being limited to the first embodiment. In particular, the specific content and type of the display mode of the hold icon after the change in the hold change notice, and the specific content and type of the display mode of the icon after the change in the change notice, are also not limited to the first embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the special display mode of the hold icon and the icon may be changed in shape, rather than changing only the color while maintaining the shape as in the first embodiment.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the change in the display mode of the icon related to the change notice is executed in response to the fourth action related to the character image G51, but it may be performed without any relation to other objects, as in the pending change notice. In this case, the display mode after the change of the icon may be limited to some icon special modes such as the third icon special mode to the fifth icon special mode, as in the first embodiment, or may be set appropriately, such as to all icon special modes without any restrictions. In this case, the timing at which the display mode of the icon is changed can be set appropriately, and may be when the special chart change performance starts and the icon shifts, or while the change display of the performance patterns EZ1 to EZ3 is being performed, etc.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the change in the display mode of the icon related to the change notice can be executed when the display mode of the icon is the normal icon mode, the first special icon mode, or the second special icon mode (non-specific special icon mode), and when executed, the icon changes to the third special icon mode, the fourth special icon mode, or the fifth special icon mode, but the display mode before this change and the display mode after the change may be changed as appropriate.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, when a change in the display mode of the icon is executed using the character image G51, the character image G51 initially performs an action common to when a specific effect is executed (moving into the frame from the right edge of the display unit 50a, moving to the center in the left-right direction, and facing forward), but it may also perform an action different from the specific effect from the beginning. Furthermore, a change in the display mode of the icon may also be executed using an image representing a specified character other than the character image G51.

In the first embodiment, the target of the fourth action related to the character image G51 is limited to the icon, but the target of the fourth action may also include the pending icon, and the display mode of the pending icon may change depending on the fourth action. Also, the icon may be excluded from the target of the fourth action, and the target of the fourth action may be only the pending icon. Furthermore, the display mode of the icon does not necessarily change depending on the fourth action, and there may be cases where the display mode of the icon does not change.

In addition, in the first embodiment, a premonition effect can be executed as an effect suggesting that the display mode of the decorative image G50 will change, and the premonition effect is configured by the decorative image G50 entering a special state. The special state is that the decorative image G50, which is in a stopped state where it normally does not vibrate, vibrates, but the specific content of this special state may be changed as appropriate. For example, the special state related to the premonition effect may be that the display mode of the decorative image G50 becomes a special display mode (e.g., flashing in gray) different from the normal decorative image mode and the special decorative image mode. Alternatively, the premonition effect may be performed by an image other than the decorative image G50, or by output other than an image, such as sound, light emission, or action.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the premonition effect is executed, the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) always changes, but it may be possible for it not to change. In other words, the premonition effect may be an effect that suggests that the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) may change. In addition, the premonition effect continues to be executed until just before the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) changes, but the timing at which it ends can be changed as appropriate, and it may end a predetermined time before the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) changes, such as at the start of a specific effect or during the first action.

The start timing of the premonition effect can also be changed as appropriate, and the premonition effect may be started from the special chart change effect that is executed before the special chart change effect in which the display mode of the decorative image G50 (base image G50c) changes.

7. Other Modifications Next, other modifications of the basic embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine PY according to the first embodiment, and the pachinko gaming machine PY1 will be described below. Hereinafter, the basic embodiment and the first embodiment will be referred to as the "pachinko gaming machine PY, etc."

In pachinko gaming machines such as PY, the display unit 50a is used to variably display the effect symbols EZ1 to EZ3 in order to notify the results of the special drawing. However, instead of an image display device, a drum on which symbols are displayed may be provided as in a so-called "slot machine," and the results of the special drawing may be notified by variably displaying the drum.

In addition, in pachinko game machines such as PY, the big prize opening 14 can be opened in a big win game, but a prize area that can be opened in a big win game other than the big prize opening 14 may also be provided.

In addition, in pachinko game machines such as PY, when a specific jackpot symbol type is determined, the game always proceeds in a high probability state after the jackpot game. In other words, the setting of the high probability state is associated with the jackpot symbol type. However, the setting conditions of the high probability state may be changed. For example, a second jackpot winning device that can be opened and closed and into which a game ball can enter when opened may be provided in a position in the game area 6 where the game ball can reach, separate from the jackpot winning device 14D, and when the second jackpot winning device is opened during a specific round of play during the jackpot game and the game ball that entered the second jackpot winning device passes through a specific area provided downstream of the second jackpot winning device, the high probability state may be set with the end of the jackpot game.

In this case, for example, a specific jackpot pattern (a jackpot pattern that makes it easy to set a high probability state) that the second large prize winning device opens for a time when it is easy to win (e.g., 29.5 seconds), and a non-specific jackpot pattern (a jackpot pattern that makes it difficult to set a high probability state) that the second large prize winning device opens for a time when it is difficult to win (e.g., 0.5 seconds). In addition, there are specific and non-specific areas that a game ball that has won the second large prize winning device can pass through, and a distribution device is provided that distributes game balls to the specific and non-specific areas. Then, although the opening time of the second large prize winning device is the same, it is also possible to provide jackpot patterns that make it easy to set a high probability state and jackpot patterns that make it difficult to set a high probability state by combining the opening mode of the second large prize winning device and the operating mode of the distribution device.

In addition, in pachinko game machines such as PY, the game control board 100 performs basic control over the progress of the game, and the presentation control board 120 performs basic control over the progress of the presentation according to the progress of the game (game control), so that game control and presentation control are performed on different boards, but they may also be configured to be performed on a single board. In this case, the image control board 140 may be included in that single board, or may be provided separately from that single board.

The gaming machine of the present invention can also be applied to other pinball gaming machines such as arrange ball machines and mahjong ball gaming machines, as well as reel-type gaming machines (so-called "slot machines").

8. Inventions Disclosed in the Above-mentioned Embodiments The following Inventions A to C have been disclosed up to the previous paragraph in this [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]. In the explanation of Inventions A to C, the names and expressions of the corresponding configurations in the above-mentioned modes for carrying out the invention and the symbols used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the elements such as the means constituting each invention are not limited to these additions. Note that Invention A is a general term for the following Inventions A1 to A4, Invention B is a general term for the following Inventions B1 to B6, and Invention C is a general term for the following Inventions C1 to C3.

In addition, according to Invention A and Invention C, the gaming machine described in JP 2019-181256 A has the effect of increasing interest in gaming in relation to Problem 1, which will be described next. In the gaming machine described in JP 2019-181256 A, when a predetermined condition is met, such as a gaming ball entering a starting hole, a variable display of a special symbol is executed. After the variable display of the special symbol is performed, a stationary display of the special symbol is performed. Here, when a specific special symbol is displayed stationary, the game is controlled to an advantageous gaming state that is advantageous to the player. In addition, the variable display of the special symbol that cannot be started is stored as a reserved memory. Then, an icon such as a reserved icon or the icon is displayed in response to the reserved memory being stored. However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines that can display icons such as a reserved icon or the icon in order to increase interest in gaming. Therefore, the first problem is to provide a new gaming machine that increases interest in gaming.

In addition, according to invention B, the gaming machine described in JP 2019-181256 A has the effect of increasing interest in gaming, as described below in relation to problem 2. In the gaming machine described in JP 2019-181256 A, when a predetermined condition is met, such as a gaming ball entering a starting hole, a variable display of a special symbol is executed. After the variable display of the special symbol is executed, a stationary display of the special symbol is executed. Here, when a specific special symbol is stationary, the game is controlled to an advantageous gaming state that is advantageous to the player. In addition, in the gaming machine described in JP 2019-181256 A, a performance in which a predetermined character performs a predetermined action is executed. However, there is still room for improvement in gaming machines capable of executing a performance in which a predetermined character performs a predetermined action in order to increase interest in gaming. Therefore, problem 2 is to provide a new gaming machine that increases interest in gaming.

8-1-1. Invention A1
The gaming machine according to the invention A1 is
A game control means (a microcomputer 101 for game control) for bringing a player into an advantageous game state (a jackpot game state, a high probability state, a time-saving state) when a specific result (a jackpot) is derived from the variable display of the identification information (a special symbol);
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a performance using an image,
The game control means is capable of suspending the variable display of the identification information,
In the gaming machine, the performance control means is capable of displaying a predetermined image (a reserved icon, the icon) in response to the variable display of the identification information being reserved,
The performance control means includes:
A specific image (decorative image G50) can be displayed near the predetermined image,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the specific image is displayed in a first mode (normal decorative image mode), it may be changed from the first mode to a second mode (specific decorative image mode) which suggests that the advantageous gaming state is more likely to be achieved than the first mode.

8-1-2. Invention A2
The gaming machine according to the invention A2 is
A gaming machine according to the invention A1,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the presentation control means is capable of displaying the specific image across multiple variable displays of the identification information.

8-1-3. Invention A3
The gaming machine according to the invention A3 is
A gaming machine according to Invention A1 or Invention A2,
The gaming machine is characterized in that the presentation control means is capable of displaying the specific image across the period from the end of a variable display of the identification information that is executed first to the start of a variable display of the identification information that is executed later.

8-1-4. Invention A4
The gaming machine according to the invention A4 is
A gaming machine according to any one of Inventions A1 to A3,
The gaming machine is characterized in that, when the specific image is changed from the first aspect to the second aspect, the presentation control means may cause the specific image to be in a special aspect (special state) suggesting that there is a possibility of the specific image changing from the first aspect to the second aspect before changing the specific image to the second aspect.

8-2-1. Invention B1
The gaming machine according to the invention B1 comprises:
A gaming machine equipped with a performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a predetermined performance,
The performance control means is capable of executing a specific performance including a first action (placing the hand on the decorative image G50) by a specific part (hand) of a specific character (male teacher),
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the specific presentation, a second action (hitting the decorative image G50 with a hand) is sometimes performed by the specific part after the first action.

8-2-2. Invention B2
The gaming machine according to the invention B2 is
A gaming machine according to the present invention,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the second action is more intense than the first action.

8-2-3. Invention B3
The gaming machine according to the invention B3 is
A gaming machine according to Invention B1 or Invention B2,
A gaming machine characterized in that a larger portion of the specific part is visible during the second action than during the first action.

8-2-4. Invention B4
The gaming machine according to the invention B4 is
A gaming machine according to any one of Inventions B1 to B3,
A gaming machine characterized in that the visible portion of the specific part differs between the first action and the second action.

8-2-5. Invention B5
The gaming machine according to the invention B5 is
A gaming machine according to any one of Inventions B1 to B4,
This gaming machine is characterized in that, in the specific presentation, there are times when a third action (writing on a blackboard image G52a with a chalk image G52b held in the hand) is performed by the specific part after the second action, and times when the third action is not performed after the second action.

8-2-6. Invention B6
The gaming machine according to the invention B6 is
A gaming machine according to the invention B5,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the third action is more intense than the second action.

8-3-1. Invention C1
The gaming machine according to the invention C1 comprises:
A game control means (a microcomputer 101 for game control) for bringing a player into an advantageous game state (a jackpot game state, a high probability state, a time-saving state) when a specific result (a jackpot) is derived from the variable display of the identification information (a special symbol);
A performance control means (performance control microcomputer 121) capable of executing a performance,
The game control means is capable of suspending the variable display of the identification information,
In the gaming machine, the performance control means is capable of executing a specific display (a reserved icon, display of the icon) in response to the variable display of the identification information being reserved,
The performance control means includes:
A related display (display of a decorative image G50) related to the specific display can be executed,
A specific display notice performance (hold change notice, change notice) can be executed to execute the specific display in a specific special mode (icon special mode) that suggests that the advantageous gaming state is more likely to be entered than in a normal specific normal mode (icon normal mode),
A related display advance notice effect (specific effect) can be executed in which the related display is executed in a related special mode (decorative image special mode) that suggests that the advantageous game state is more likely to occur than in a normal related normal mode (decorative image normal mode),
The related display preview performance is performed by a specific character (male teacher),
The gaming machine is characterized in that the specific display preview performance may be performed by the specific character.

8-3-2. Invention C2
The gaming machine according to the invention C2 is
A gaming machine according to invention C1,
The specific special modes include a first specific special mode (third icon special mode, fourth icon special mode, fifth icon special mode) and a second specific special mode (first icon special mode, second icon special mode),
A gaming machine characterized in that the specific character may execute the specific display preview performance of the first specific special mode, but the specific character never executes the specific display preview performance of the second specific special mode.

8-3-3. Invention C3
The gaming machine according to the invention C3 comprises:
A gaming machine according to invention C2,
A gaming machine characterized in that it suggests that the first specific special mode is more likely to result in the advantageous gaming state than the second specific special mode.

PY, PY1... Pachinko game machine 1... Game board 6... Game area 6A... Left game area 6B... Right game area 11... First start opening 11a... First start opening sensor 12... Second start opening 12a... Second start opening sensor 14... Large prize opening 14a... Large prize opening sensor 50... Image display device 50a... Display unit 52... Speaker 53... Frame lamp 100... Game control board 101... Game control microcomputer 120... Performance control board 121... Performance control microcomputer 140... Image control board

Claims (1)

a game control means for bringing a player into an advantageous game state when a specific result is derived from the variable display of the identification information;
A performance control means capable of executing a performance using an image,
The game control means is capable of suspending the variable display of the identification information,
In the gaming machine, the performance control means is capable of displaying a first image corresponding to the variable display of the identification information being suspended and a second image different from the first image,
The display mode for the specific element of the first image includes a first normal mode and a first special mode,
The display mode of the specific element of the second image includes a second normal mode and a second special mode,
The performance control means is capable of displaying a predetermined character,
The predetermined character may perform a specific action,
The specific action includes a first specific action and a second specific action different from the first specific action,
After the predetermined character is displayed, the display mode of the second image may change from the second normal mode to the second special mode, or may not change from the second normal mode to the second special mode;
When the second image is displayed in the second normal mode, the display mode of the first image may change from the first normal mode to the first special mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that there are times when the display mode of the second image changes from the second normal mode to the second special mode in association with the first specific action by the specified character, and times when the display mode of the first image changes from the first normal mode to the first special mode without the first specific action by the specified character.

Images