JP7618202B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines (pinball gaming machines).

Conventionally, gaming machines are known that use gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals to play games. Some of these types of gaming machines are configured to execute various effects using image display units and movable gadgets for effects as the game progresses (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-59691 A

The effects implemented in gaming machines play an important role in increasing the interest of the game, but there is room for further improvement in order to enhance the effects of these effects.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation effects.

The present invention employs the following means to solve the above problems.

The gaming machine according to the first embodiment includes:
A gaming machine capable of playing a game using a predetermined gaming medium,
A movable performance member operable between a first state and a second state;
A movable control means capable of controlling the movable performance member;
A performance execution means capable of executing a predetermined performance;
An operation means operable by a player,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a movable performance multiple times by operating the movable performance member in the first state to the second state,
The movement control means is capable of executing a return process for operating the movable performance member in the second state to the first state during a period from when a first movement performance among the plurality of times of the movement performance is executed to when a next movement performance is executed,
The preceding moving effect is executed based on the operation of the operation means within a predetermined operation effective period that occurs during a game,
The time when a predetermined time longer than the effective operation period has elapsed from the start of the effective operation period is set as the end timing of the previous moving performance, and the return process is executed upon the arrival of the end timing ,
After the return process is executed due to the end timing of the previous moving performance, if the moving performance member is not in the first state before the start of the next moving performance, the return process is executed again.
It is characterized by the above.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation effects.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a rear view of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of a game board according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is an enlarged view of the main display shown in FIG. 3, showing displays provided in the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. This is a table showing the correspondence between the type of jackpot and the opening pattern of the jackpot opening. 13 is a table showing various random numbers acquired by the game control microcomputer. (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a jackpot type determination table, (C) is a normal pattern hit determination table, and (D) is a normal pattern change pattern selection table. This is a fluctuation pattern table. 13 is a flowchart of a main control process. 13 is a flowchart of an interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a start port sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a general operation process. 13 is a flowchart of normal symbol waiting processing. This is a flowchart of the normal pattern correctness determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal pattern random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during normal pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of the normal symbol determination process. 13 is a flowchart of normal electric device processing. 13 is a flowchart of special chart operation processing. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol waiting process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 pass/fail determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 2 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of the special drawing 1 correct/incorrect determination process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. This is a flowchart of the special chart 1 variation pattern selection process. FIG. 1 is a flowchart of random number shift processing. This is a flowchart of processing during special pattern change. 13 is a flowchart of a special symbol determination process. This is a flowchart for processing special electric devices (jackpot play). 13 is a flowchart of a V round process. 13 is a flowchart of a game status setting process. 13 is a flowchart of a specific area sensor detection process. 13 is a flowchart of a non-specific area sensor detection process. This is a flowchart of the processing at the time of the initial ball entry. 13 is a flowchart of a power interruption monitoring process. 13 is a flowchart of a sub-control main process. 13 is a flowchart of a reception interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 2 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. 13 is a flowchart of the variable performance start processing. 13 is a flowchart of movable performance related processing. 13 is a flowchart of an opening effect selection process. This is a table showing the correspondence between the type of jackpot and the timing of movable piece operation (first specified value and second specified value) in a V round. A timing chart showing the relationship between the second large prize opening sensor and a specific area (movable piece). A schematic diagram of the second large prize device. (A) is a table showing the types of variable presentation patterns, and (B) is a table showing the types of opening presentations. A diagram showing the flow of presentation (presentation example 1) when a jackpot variable presentation including a movable presentation is executed. A diagram showing the flow of presentation (presentation example 1) when a jackpot variable presentation including a movable presentation is executed. A diagram showing the flow of presentation when a jackpot variable presentation including a movable presentation is executed (presentation example 2). A diagram showing the flow of presentation when an opening presentation including a moving presentation is executed (presentation example 3). This figure shows the flow of the presentation (presentation example 3) when a V round is executed after an opening presentation including a moving presentation. FIG. 11 is a front view showing a state (first state) of the game board of Example 2 in which no movable effect is being executed. A front view showing the state (second state) of the game board of Example 2 in which a movable effect is executed. 13 is a flowchart of movable performance related processing in Example 2. A diagram showing the flow from the SP reach presentation to the win/lose branching timing in the variable presentation of Example 2. Continuing from Figure 60, this figure shows the flow of presentation when the moving presentation is not executed (miss pattern) and when the moving presentation is executed (jackpot pattern). 13 is a flowchart of movable performance related processing in Example 3. A diagram showing the flow of presentations from the SP reach presentation to the development presentation in a jackpot variable presentation including a movable presentation in Example 3. Continuing from Figure 63, this figure shows the flow of presentation from the stopped display of the jackpot presentation pattern to the opening period.

Next, the embodiment of the present invention will be described using examples. In the following, an example will be described in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) in which the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and the game can be progressed by firing the game ball toward the game board (game area). Specifically, a so-called "type one" game machine will be used as an example, in which a pattern-changing game (also simply called "variable game") is played in which a special pattern is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and when the special pattern is displayed as a jackpot pattern in the variable game, a jackpot game (special game) in which a predetermined amount of game profit (e.g. prize balls) can be awarded to the player can be played.

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

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pachinko game machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a game machine frame 50 and a game board 2 attached within the game machine frame 50, and the game board 2 is configured to be detachable from the game machine frame 50. Figure 3 shows the front side (board surface side) of the game board 2 removed from the game machine frame 50.

The gaming machine frame 50 is composed of a front frame 51 with a decorative surface, a main frame 52 to which the gaming board 2 and the like are attached, and an outer frame 53 for mounting the pachinko gaming machine 1 to the island equipment of the hall. The front frame 51, main frame 52, and outer frame 53 are supported on one side and are each configured to be able to be opened and closed.

The front frame 51 is provided with a launch handle 60 for launching game balls with a launch strength according to the amount of operation (rotation angle) by the player, a ball supply tray (upper tray) 61 that stores game balls and can supply them to the launching device, and a surplus ball receiving tray (lower tray) 62 that stores game balls that cannot be accommodated in the ball supply tray 61. The front frame 51 is also provided with a first effect button 63a and a second effect button 63b (either or both of these two effect buttons are simply referred to as the "effect button 63") that can be operated by the player, a decorative frame lamp 66 that can emit various lights depending on the game situation, and a speaker 67 that can emit various sounds (sound effects) depending on the game situation. The frame lamp 66 is composed of an LED, for example.

The effect button 63 functions as an input means that can perform input by external operation, and can be operated during the execution of game effects that are executed as the game progresses. The player can use different effect buttons depending on the type of game effect. For example, when the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b is operated during the execution of a game effect, a predetermined operation-related effect is performed based on that operation. The effect button 63 (input means) is also called the "operation means", the first effect button 63a is also called the "first input means" or "first operation means", and the second effect button 63b is also called the "second input means" or "second operation means".

The configuration of the effect button 63 is not limited to the embodiment, and it is sufficient as long as it allows the player to make an input. For example, it may be an input means (e.g., a retractable type, a touch sensor type, etc.) in which the player directly touches and operates the button to make an input, or a non-contact type input means (e.g., a photoelectric type, etc.) in which input is made by detecting the proximity of a part of the player's body. It may also be a tilting type operation means that can be tilted in the forward/backward or left/right directions, such as an operation lever or an operation stick. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two effect buttons, the first effect button 63a and the second effect button 63b, are provided, but the number of effect buttons may be one, or three or more.

The game board 2 has a game area 3, in which game balls launched by operating the launch handle 60 flow down, surrounded by a rail member 4. A number of game nails 16 that guide the game balls are protruding from the game area 3, and a ball return prevention piece 6 is provided at the tip of the rail member 4. The ball return prevention piece 6 is intended to prevent the game balls that have been guided into the game area from returning to the launching device. The game board 2 also has a decorative board lamp 5 (see Figure 5) that can emit various lights depending on the game situation. The board lamp 5 is, for example, composed of an LED.

An image display device 7 including a display screen 7a capable of displaying images is provided near the center of the game board 2 (game area 3) as a display means for effects (effect display means). In this embodiment, the image display device 7 is configured as a liquid crystal display.

The image display device 7 is provided on the back side of the game board 2, with its display screen 7a facing an opening provided in approximately the center of the game board 2 (game area 3). Through this opening, the player can view the display screen 7 (display content). The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a performance pattern display area 7b (also referred to as the "performance pattern display section") in which performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R (also simply referred to as the "performance pattern 8") are displayed.

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

In this embodiment, the performance patterns 8L, 8C, and 8R each include a number pattern (pattern type) that represents the numbers "1" to "9," and the number patterns are displayed in sequence. Specifically, the changing display of the performance pattern 8 is performed by scrolling the number patterns in the order of "1" → "2" ... "8" → "9" (ascending order), and when it reaches "9," it returns to "1," and the scrolling display is repeated until the change ends (stops).

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

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

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

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

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

On the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, various effects (effect displays) related to the game are displayed, such as the game effects using the effect patterns 8 as described above (also called "effect pattern game effects"), as well as jackpot game effects (also called "special game effects") that are executed in conjunction with jackpot games and demo effects for waiting customers. In addition to effect patterns such as numbers, various images that make up the effect display, such as background images and character images, are displayed in various effect displays such as effect patterns 8 as described above (also called "variable effects").

In addition, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 is provided with a first effect hold display area 9c (first effect hold display section) that displays the first effect hold 9a according to the number of first special symbol holds stored, and a second effect hold display area 9d (second effect hold display section) that displays the second effect hold 9b according to the number of second special symbol holds stored, as described below (see FIG. 3). The display mode (display number) of the first effect hold 9a makes it possible to clearly show the number of first special symbol holds stored, which are displayed on the first special symbol hold display 43a described below, to the player. Similarly, the display mode (display number) of the second effect hold 9b makes it possible to clearly show the number of second special symbol holds stored, which are displayed on the second special symbol hold display 43b described below, to the player. Note that either or both of the first effect hold 9a and the second effect hold 9b are also referred to as "effect hold". The effect hold is also referred to as "hold pattern". Furthermore, the various images displayed on the display screen 7a, such as performance patterns, background images, character images, and performance reserve (reserved patterns), are collectively referred to as "performance images."

A center decorative body 10 is provided near the center of the game area 3, in front of the image display device 7, surrounding the display screen 7a (performance pattern display area 7b). The center decorative body 10 is made of a plastic (resin) molded part, and is attached to the surface (front) of the game board 2 as a frame-shaped part (board part) with an opening in the middle. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 can be seen through the central opening of the center decorative body 10.

At the bottom of the center decorative body 10, a stage section 11 is provided, which has a game ball rolling surface on which game balls can roll. A hollow warp section 12 is provided at the left part of the center decorative body 10. The warp section 12 is provided with a warp entrance and a warp exit, and receives game balls flowing down the game area 3 from the warp entrance, and discharges the game balls from the warp exit and guides them to the stage section 11. Game balls guided to the rolling surface of the stage section 11 are more likely to enter the first starting hole 20 described below than game balls that are not guided to the stage section 11. Furthermore, at the top of the center decorative body 10, a decorative member 13 is provided, which has an electric member such as an LED (board lamp 5) and can be turned on depending on the game state. The game state means the state of the game machine 1 when a game is being played with the game machine.

In addition, a movable decorative member 14 that can be operated in conjunction with game effects is provided to the left of the center decorative body 10, in front of the warp section 12. The movable decorative member 14 functions as a movable role item (gimmick) for effects that can be operated on the front side (near) of the display screen 7a.

The movable decorative member 14 in this embodiment is composed of a sculpture with a flag motif, and is usually located in front of the warp section 12 (starting point) as shown in FIG. 3, with the entire flag tilted to the left (also called the "non-operating state" or "first state"). When a specified operating condition is met, the movable decorative member 14 at the starting point position (standby position) moves (rises) along the left opening edge (left side of the display screen 7a) of the central opening of the center decorative body 10 to a specified end point position (operating position), or the movable decorative member 14 that reaches the end point position tilts to the right (toward the right opening edge of the center decorative body 10) (see FIG. 52). The state in which the movable decorative member 14 moves (rises) from the starting point position to the end point position (operated in the first operating mode) and the state in which the movable decorative member 14 tilts to the right at the end point position (operated in the second operating mode) are also called the "operating state" or "second state".

In other words, the movable decorative member 14 in this embodiment is configured to be operable between a state in the starting position (non-operating state, first state) and a state in the end position (operating state, second state) or a state tilted to the right at the end position (operating state, second state).

The operating modes (operation patterns) of the movable decorative member 14 include a first operating mode in which it moves (rises) from a starting position to an end position along the left opening edge of the center decorative body 10, and a second operating mode in which it moves to the end position and then tilts to the right. When a specific first operating condition is met, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode, and when a specific second operating condition is met, the movable decorative member 14 that has operated in the first operating mode further operates in the second operating mode. In this way, an effect in which the movable decorative member 14 is operated in the first operating mode or the second operating mode, and the movable decorative member 14 in the non-operating state (first state) is moved to the end position or tilted to the right at the end position (changing to the second state) is also called a "movable effect."

When the movable decorative member 14 is operating in the first or second operating mode and is in the end position (i.e., when it is in the second state), if a specified return condition (also called the "end condition") is met, the movable decorative member 14 will tilt to the left and move (descend) from the end position to the start position (this is also called the "third operating mode"). This causes the movable decorative member 14 to return (return) to the inactive state (first state), and the movable performance will end.

Also, when the movable decorative member 14 is operating in the first or second operating mode and is in the end position (second state), if the player inputs a return instruction before the aforementioned return condition (termination condition) is met, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the third operating mode and returns (returns) to the non-operating state (first state). The return instruction can be input, for example, by operating (for example, pressing once) a return instruction button (not shown) that can be operated by the player and is provided on the front frame 51 separately from the performance button 63. Specifically, a return instruction button detection switch (not shown) that can detect whether the return instruction button is operated (ON/OFF) can be provided, similar to the aforementioned performance button detection switches 63c and 63d, and a detection signal from the switch can be input to the sub-control board 90, and the return instruction can be input when the detection signal becomes ON. In this case, when the movable decorative member 14 is in the end position (second state), the operation (input) of the return instruction button can be enabled.

In addition, instead of providing a return command button, it is also possible to input a return command by operating the performance button 63 in a predetermined operating manner (e.g., pressing and holding for 10 seconds) when the movable decorative member 14 is in the end position (second state).

Furthermore, when the movable decorative member 14 is operating in the first or second operating mode and is in the end position (second state), if a specified additional operating condition is met, an additional performance (moving performance) using the movable decorative member 14 is executed. This additional moving performance (also called "additional moving performance") is executed in conjunction with the opening performance, round performance, and ST mode performance, as described below. In the additional moving performance, the movable decorative member 14 operates in an operating mode for the additional moving performance.

The operation of the movable decorative member 14 is achieved by a drive mechanism (not shown) that includes slide rails, gears, motors, etc. for moving the movable decorative member 14 up and down and tilting it left and right. Note that the configuration of the drive mechanism itself is not related to the gist of the present invention, so a detailed explanation of the drive mechanism is omitted. The movable effects produced by the operation of the movable decorative member 14 will be described later.

Here, the display screen 7a and the image display device 7, which can perform display effects that display various images according to the game situation, are also called "display effect section" or "display effect means", and the movable decorative member 14, which can operate in a predetermined operating mode during the game performance to perform a movable effect, is also called "movable effect member" or "movable effect means". In addition to the movable decorative member 14, for example, if the effect button 63 can perform a movable effect that operates in a predetermined operating mode, such as vibrating or moving up and down, the effect button 63 can also be called a "movable effect member" or "movable effect means". In addition, the speaker 67, which can perform sound effects that emit various sounds (sound effects) according to the game situation, is also called a "sound effect section" or "sound effect means", and the board lamp 5, frame lamp 66, and decorative member 13, which can perform light effects that emit various lights according to the game situation, are also called a "light effect section" or "light effect means". In addition to the panel lamps 5, for example, if the effect button 63 and launch handle 60 have built-in electric lighting components such as LEDs like the decorative components 13, and the effect button 63 and launch handle 60 light up or blink depending on the game situation due to the action of the electric lighting components, then these effect buttons 63 and launch handle 60 can also be called "light effect means." Furthermore, the "display effect means," "movable effect means," "sound effect means," and "light effect means" are collectively referred to as "effect means."

A fixed winning device 19 is provided below the image display device 7 in the game area 3 (below the stage section 11), and is equipped with a non-variable first starting hole 20 in which the ease with which the game ball can enter (the probability of entering) does not change. Random numbers and the like for determining whether the special symbol is a winner are obtained based on the game ball entering the first starting hole 20, and when a predetermined condition is met, a win/loss determination for the first special symbol (also called the "first special symbol win/loss determination") is made, and the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and is displayed as a still symbol based on the result of the win/loss determination.

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

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

The first special symbol hit determination performed based on the entry of a game ball into the first starting hole 20 and the second special symbol hit determination performed based on the entry of a game ball into the second starting hole 21, i.e., the special symbol hit determination performed based on the entry of a game ball into a starting hole, are examples of "determinations performed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition".

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this pachinko game machine 1, when at least one of the game balls that enter the second large prize opening 35 passes through the specific area 39, and this (V passage) is detected by the specific area sensor 39a described below, a high probability state described below is generated. The high probability state is one of the game benefits given to the player separately from the special game. This pachinko game machine 1, which determines whether or not to generate a high probability state based on whether or not the game ball passes through the specific area 39, is a so-called "V certain machine," and the specific area 39 functions as a probability change operation opening (probability change area). Such a specific area 39 is not provided in the first large prize device 31 (first large prize opening 30). Note that the specific area 39 may be provided in the first large prize device 31 (first large prize opening 30).

Here, the configuration of the second large prize winning device 36 will be described in detail. FIG. 50 is a schematic diagram showing the second large prize winning device 36. As shown in the figure, the game balls that enter the second large prize winning port 35 pass through a predetermined game ball guide passage in the second large prize winning device and all pass through the second large prize winning port sensor 35a (also called the "ball entry detection means" or "ball entry detection sensor"). The second large prize winning port sensor 35a is a sensor for detecting the entry of game balls into the second large prize winning port 35, and it is possible to count the number of balls that enter the second large prize winning port 35 based on the detection by the second large prize winning port sensor 35a. When the game balls are detected by the second large prize winning port sensor 35a, the number of detections (i.e., the number of balls that enter) is counted by round by a ball entry counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 described later. This counting result (count value) is cleared when the round ends.

In addition, the game ball detected by the second large prize opening sensor 35a then passes through a specified game ball guide passage and always passes through the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 49 (see Figures 50 (a) and (b)). The specific area 39 is open to the game ball only when the movable piece 150 is in operation (operating state), in other words, only when the specific area 39 is open. A specific area sensor 39a is provided in the specific area 39, and a game ball passing through the specific area 39 is detected by the specific area sensor 39a (see Figure 50 (b)). The specific area sensor 39a is a sensor for detecting the passage of a game ball into the specific area 39. A non-specific area sensor 49a is provided in the non-specific area 49, and a game ball passing through the non-specific area 49 is detected by the non-specific area sensor 49a (see Figure 50 (a)). The non-specific area sensor 49a is a sensor for detecting the passage of game balls into the non-specific area 49. The specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area detection sensor 49a are also sensors for detecting the discharge of game balls from the second large winning opening 35, and it is possible to count the number of balls discharged from the second large winning opening 35 based on the detection by the specific area sensor 39a and the non-specific area detection sensor 49a. When a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a or the non-specific area detection sensor 49a, the number of detections (i.e., the number of balls discharged) is counted on a round-by-round basis by a discharge number counting means (not shown) provided in the RAM of the main control unit 80 described later. This counting result (count value) is cleared when the round ends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a main display 40 is disposed outside the play area 3 (outside the play area) at the lower right of the play board 2. The main display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a (first special symbol display section) which displays a first special symbol in a variable and stationary manner, a second special symbol display 41b (second special symbol display section) which displays a second special symbol in a variable and stationary manner, and a normal symbol display 42 (normal symbol display section) which displays a normal symbol in a variable and stationary manner.

The main display 40 also includes a first special symbol reserved display 43a that displays the number of pieces of winning/losing judgment information (first special symbol reserved) related to the first special symbol, a second special symbol reserved display 43b that displays the number of pieces of winning/losing judgment information (second special symbol reserved) related to the second special symbol, and a regular symbol reserved display 44 that displays the number of pieces of reserved activation (regular symbol reserved) of the regular symbol display 42.

The main display 40 further includes a round indicator 45 which indicates the number of rounds of the jackpot game to be played if the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (specific result), a game status indicator 46 which indicates that the probability fluctuation function is activated, a launch direction indicator 47 which indicates the launch direction of the game ball (whether it should be hit to the left or to the right), and a hit indicator 48 which indicates that the result of the first special symbol hit/miss judgment or the second special symbol hit/miss judgment is a jackpot.

The various displays included in the main display 40 are controlled by the main control unit, which will be described later. In the following description, the first special symbol and the second special symbol are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol, the first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol display unit, and the first special symbol reserve display 43a and the second special symbol reserve display 43b are sometimes collectively referred to as the special symbol reserve display unit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The special symbol is displayed (the display state is maintained) until a predetermined display time (also called the "display period") has elapsed. The display time can be any time less than 1.0 second (for example, 0.6 seconds (600 ms)). In this embodiment, the display time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (also called the "miss display time") and the display time of the special symbol based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss judgment (also called the "jackpot display time") are the same. Note that the miss display time and the jackpot display time may be different.

If the special symbol displayed is a losing symbol (non-specific mode) and a special symbol reservation is stored at the time of the stopped display, the oldest (first) special symbol reservation in the memory order is consumed when the stopped display period (missing stop display time) of the losing symbol has elapsed, and the variable display of the next special symbol begins. Also, if the special symbol displayed is a losing symbol and a special symbol reservation is not stored at the time of the stopped display, the stopped display state of the special symbol is maintained even after the stopped display period (missing stop display time) of the losing symbol has elapsed. On the other hand, if the special symbol displayed is a jackpot symbol (specific mode), when the stopped display period (jackpot stop display time) of the jackpot symbol has elapsed, the game moves to the opening period of the jackpot game described below, and the first round of the jackpot game begins after the opening period. The round is also called "round game" or "unit opening game". Round may also be written simply as "R".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The performance display 102 is equipped with two LEDs, and performs a change display and a stop display in accordance with the change display and stop display of the performance pattern 8. The change display on the performance display 102 is performed by flashing the two LEDs. Then, the display shows a stop in a display mode that shows the display result of the performance pattern 8 (the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment) by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. The performance first special pattern hold display 103a and the performance second hold display 103b also have two LEDs. And the performance first special pattern hold display 103a is displayed and controlled in a display mode that shows the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the first performance hold display area 9c and the first special pattern hold display 43a by turning on/off the two LEDs or by combining colors. Similarly, the second special effect reserved indicator 103b is controlled to display the same number of reserved items as the number of reserved items displayed in the second effect reserved display area 9d and the second special effect reserved indicator 43b by turning on and off the two LEDs or by combining colors. This is because the performance display may be displayed on almost the entire display screen 7a (performance pattern display section) or the movable decorative member 14 may be operated to cover almost the entire performance pattern display area 7b (performance pattern display section) of the display screen 7a, so that some or all of the various images displayed on the display screen 7a, such as the performance pattern 8, the first performance reserved 9a, the second performance reserved 9b, etc., may not be visible. In addition, a VDP (Video Display Processor) may be provided instead of or in addition to the image control one-chip microcomputer 101 of the image control board 100.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, the jackpot types based on the number of rounds are two types, 7R jackpot and 15R jackpot, but it is possible to provide various jackpot types, such as two types, 5R jackpot and 10R jackpot, or one type, 7R jackpot, and it is also possible to provide three or more types (for example, three types, 5R jackpot, 7R jackpot, and 10R jackpot). Also, in this embodiment, the maximum number of rounds in a jackpot game is 15R (15R jackpot), but the maximum number of rounds is not limited to this and can be less than 15R (for example, 10R).

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

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

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

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

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 48, the correspondence between the "jackpot type" and the "first and second predetermined values" is prestored in the ROM of the main control unit 80 (value storage means). In this embodiment, the first predetermined value (first count value) is set to "1", and the second predetermined value (second count value) is set to "2". The first predetermined value is set for all jackpot types. On the other hand, the second predetermined value is set for a specific jackpot type (in this example, the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th jackpots in 7R and the 8th jackpot in 15R), and is not set for other jackpot types (in this example, the 2nd, 4th, and 6th jackpots in 7R and the 9th jackpot in 15R). For this reason, in this embodiment, the movable piece 150 operates at least once in the 5th round of the jackpot game, and can operate a maximum of twice.

The setting manner of the first and second predetermined values shown in FIG. 48 is merely an example, and various other manners are possible. In this embodiment, the second predetermined value is set to "2", but the second predetermined value can also be a value equal to or greater than "3" (for example, any value from "3" to "9"). Furthermore, the second predetermined value may be set to a different value depending on the type of jackpot, such as "2" for the 7R first jackpot and "3" for the 7R third jackpot.

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

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

As described above, the second predetermined value is set for a specific jackpot type, and is not set for other jackpot types. Therefore, the five types of jackpots corresponding to the specific jackpot types for which the second predetermined value is set, i.e., the 7R 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th jackpots and the 15R 8th jackpot, are jackpots that operate the movable piece 150 in a manner in which the game ball is highly likely to pass through the specific area 39 (also called "V-passing scheduled jackpots") (see FIG. 48). On the other hand, the jackpots for which the second predetermined value is not set, i.e., the 7R 2nd, 4th, and 6th jackpots and the 15R 9th jackpot, are jackpots that operate the movable piece 150 in a manner in which the game ball is less likely to pass through the specific area 39 (also called "V-non-passing scheduled jackpots") (see FIG. 48). In other words, a "V-passing jackpot" is a jackpot (probable jackpot) that is based on the assumption that a high probability state (a bonus) described below will occur (a bonus will be awarded), while a "V-non-passing jackpot" is a jackpot (non-probable jackpot) that is based on the assumption that a high probability state (a bonus) described below will not occur (a bonus will not be awarded). Note that the jackpot game (special game) related to a V-non-passing jackpot is also called the "first special game," and the jackpot game (special game) related to a V-passing jackpot is also called the "second special game."

Here, the relationship between the operation of the movable piece 150 and the game ball that has entered the second large prize opening 35 is as follows. As shown in FIG. 49, when the count value by the aforementioned ball entry counting means reaches a first predetermined value ("1" in this example), the movable piece 150 is put into an operating state for 80 ms (the movable piece solenoid 151 is turned ON). In other words, when the first ball entering the second large prize opening 35 is detected, the specific area 39 is put into an open state (V-open) for 80 ms (0.08 seconds). In other words, the movable piece 150 operates in an operating pattern with an operating time (opening time) of 80 ms and an operating count (opening count) of 1. In this case, the operation of the movable piece 150 is performed for only an extremely short time (instant) of 80 ms, so by the time the game ball that triggered the operation (the game ball that is the first (initial) ball to enter the second large prize opening 35) passes through the second large prize opening sensor 35a and reaches the location where the movable piece 150 is located, the operation of the movable piece 150 is highly likely to have ended (become in a non-operating state) (see FIG. 50(a)). Therefore, the possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39 is extremely low.

On the other hand, when the count value by the ball counting means mentioned above reaches the second predetermined value ("2" in this example), the movable piece 150 is put into an operating state for 3000 ms (the movable piece solenoid 151 is turned ON) (FIG. 49). That is, when the second ball is detected entering the second large winning hole 35, the specific area 39 is in an open state (V-open) for 3000 ms (3 seconds). That is, the movable piece 150 operates in an operating pattern with an operating time (opening time) of 3000 ms and an operating count (opening count) of 1. In this case, since the operation of the movable piece 150 is performed for a relatively long time of 3000 ms, it is highly likely that the operation of the movable piece 150 has not yet ended (is in an operating state) by the time the game ball that triggered the operation (the game ball corresponding to the second ball entering the second large winning hole 35) passes through the second large winning hole sensor 35a and reaches the installation position of the movable piece 150 (see FIG. 50(b)). Therefore, there is an extremely high possibility that the game ball will pass through the specific area 39. If the movable piece 150 is in an operating state when the round of play ends, the operation of the movable piece 150 also ends when the round of play ends.

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

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

Here, the movable piece 150 is a member that guides (distributes) the game ball that entered the V Attacker (second large winning hole 35) to the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 49, and is involved in the game ball in the V Attacker. For this reason, the movable piece 150 is usually provided in a location that is difficult to see at a glance, such as inside or at the back of the V Attacker (see FIG. 50). In addition, the opening pattern of the large winning holes (first large winning hole 30 and second large winning hole 35) during the big win game in this embodiment is the same for the V-passing and non-V-passing big wins for each of the 7R and 15R big wins, with the opening time, number of openings, and opening order being the same, and the opening pattern in the V round (the 5th round in this example) is also the same (see FIG. 6). By controlling the operation of the movable piece 150 based on the count value (number of balls entering the V attacker) by the ball entry counting means in the V round, it becomes possible to make it difficult to determine the specific area passing status (V passing status) of the game ball in the V round, such as "at what timing the game ball that entered the V attacker may pass through the specific area 39" or "whether the game ball has passed through the specific area 39 or not."

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

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

The distribution probability of each jackpot in the hit judgment of the first special pattern (Special Pattern 1) is 5% for 7R 1st jackpot, 15% for 7R 2nd jackpot, 12% for 7R 3rd jackpot, 15% for 7R 4th jackpot, 18% for 7R 5th jackpot, 10% for 7R 6th jackpot, and 25% for 7R 7th jackpot. If these are divided into V-passing jackpots and V-non-passing jackpots, the V-passing jackpots are 60% (5% + 12% + 18% + 25% = 60%) and the V-non-passing jackpots are 40% (15% + 15% + 10% = 40%) (see Figures 6 and 8).

On the other hand, the distribution probability of each jackpot in determining whether the second special pattern (Special Pattern 2) is a hit or miss is 80% for the 8th jackpot of 15R and 20% for the 9th jackpot of 15R. If divided into jackpots scheduled to pass through V and jackpots scheduled not to pass through V, the probability is 80% for jackpots scheduled to pass through V and 20% for jackpots scheduled not to pass through V (see Figures 6 and 8).

For this reason, if a jackpot is determined based on the second special symbol entering the second starting hole 21, which has become easier to enter due to the activation of the extended opening function described below (the occurrence of a high base state), the chances of a V-passing jackpot are higher than if a jackpot is determined based on the first special symbol entering the first starting hole 20. Also, if a jackpot is determined based on the second special symbol entering the second starting hole 21, a 15R jackpot will occur, which would not occur if a jackpot is determined based on the first special symbol entering the first starting hole 20.

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

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

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

Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is capable of controlling the gaming state when variable play is being executed by combining the activation/deactivation of each of the following functions: probability fluctuation function for special and normal symbols, fluctuation time reduction function (time-saving function), and opening extension function. The gaming state when variable play is being executed can be referred to as the mode of variable play (also referred to as the "variable mode").

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when the 7R first, third, fifth, seventh jackpot or the 15R eighth jackpot (i.e., a V-passing jackpot) occurs, the game state after the jackpot game is a high probability state of the special pattern based on the passage of the game ball into the specific area 39, and the special pattern time-saving state and high base state (see FIG. 6) because the game ball is highly likely to pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. This game state is also called a "high probability high base state." The high probability high base state is a so-called "probability change game state." The pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a type of pachinko game machine (so-called "ST machine") in which the high probability high base state (high probability state) ends when a predetermined number of times (predetermined number of times) of special pattern variable display (variable game) is executed. Therefore, in the high probability high base state, if the variable display of the special symbol (variable play) is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 150 times) without a jackpot occurring, the state will be a low probability state of the special symbol, a non-time-saving state, and a low base state (see FIG. 6). This play state is also called a "low probability low base state." Note that the high probability high base state will also end if a jackpot occurs in the high probability high base state and a jackpot play is executed.

In addition, if the 7R second, fourth, or sixth jackpot or the 15R ninth jackpot (i.e., a jackpot with no V planned to pass) occurs, the game state after the jackpot play will be a low probability state of the special pattern, a time-saving state of the special pattern, and a high base state (see Figure 6) since the possibility of the game ball passing through the specific area 39 during the jackpot play is extremely low. This game state is also called a "low probability high base state." The low probability high base state is a so-called "time-saving game state" (also called a "time-saving state"), and ends when a specified number of times (e.g., 50 times, 75 times, or 100 times) of the variable display of the special pattern (variable play) is executed, or when a jackpot is hit and a jackpot play is executed.

Although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 39 during a jackpot game related to a jackpot that is scheduled to pass through the V, the game state after that jackpot game will be a "low probability high base state." Also, although the possibility is extremely low, if the game ball passes through the specific area 39 during a jackpot game related to a jackpot that is scheduled not to pass through the V, the game state after that jackpot game will be a "high probability high base state."

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

In contrast, in a low base state (e.g., a low-probability low base state), it is more advantageous to play by hitting the ball from the left into the left play area 3A. In a low base state, the second start hole 21 is less likely to open than in a high base state, and it is easier to hit the ball into the first start hole 20 than into the second start hole 21. For this reason, the ball is hit from the left in order to hit the ball into the first start hole 20. This allows for more start hits (opportunities to determine whether the special symbol has been hit) compared to hitting from the right. In this state, the launch direction indicator 47 is controlled to light up (display controlled) in a predetermined manner, and notifies the player that the ball should be launched toward the left play area 3A (left hit instruction notification).

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

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

In this embodiment, when the game state (variation mode) is in a low base state, the game progresses by hitting from the left, so the first special symbol hit/fail judgment (first special symbol hit/fail game) is mainly executed based on the ball entering the first starting hole 20. On the other hand, when the game state (variation mode) is in a high base state, the game progresses by hitting from the right, so the second special symbol hit/fail judgment (second special symbol hit/fail game) is mainly executed based on the ball entering the second starting hole 21.

As described above, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, if the low-probability, low base state in which no jackpot play is taking place is used as a reference, the variable play played in the low-probability, low base state can be regarded as "normal play," and the low-probability, low base state can be regarded as the "normal play state."

On the other hand, a jackpot game is a game that can be executed by displaying a special symbol in a varying manner and then stopping the jackpot symbol, and since it is an advantageous game for the player in that a large number of prize balls can be obtained by the game ball entering the large prize opening (first large prize opening 30, second large prize opening 35), a jackpot game can be considered as a "special game", and the game state in which the jackpot game is played (jackpot game state) can be considered as a "special game state".

In addition, because a high probability high base state (probability variable game state) is a more advantageous state for the player than a low probability low base state or a low probability high base state (i.e., a low probability state), variable gameplay played in a high probability high base state can also be considered as a "special game," and a high probability high base state can also be considered as a "special game state."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, the movable piece operation timing according to the type of jackpot is set (S2009), and the process proceeds to S2010. As described above, the operation of the movable piece 150 in the V round (the fifth round in this embodiment) is performed based on the number of game balls entering the second big prize winning port 35 (V attacker), and the number of balls that trigger the operation is determined according to the type of jackpot (see FIG. 48). Specifically, a "first predetermined value (c1) corresponding to the number of balls that determines the first operation timing" and a "second predetermined value (c2) corresponding to the number of balls that determines the second operation timing" that are predetermined according to the type of jackpot are set (predetermined value setting means). In this embodiment, the first predetermined value (c1) is set to "1", and the second predetermined value (c2) is set to "2". The operation of the movable piece 150 is controlled based on the value set in S2009 and the count value (number of balls entering the V attacker) by the ball entry counting means in the V round (5th round). Note that the second predetermined value (c2) is not set if the type of jackpot is a "V non-passing jackpot", but is set only if the type is a "V passing jackpot".

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the above special electric role processing (S1107) functions as a "special game execution means", and since the special electric role processing (S1107) is also a process that controls the game state to a jackpot game state (special game state), the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) also functions as a "game state control means". In addition, the main control unit 80 (game control microcomputer 81) that executes the special symbol waiting process (S1102), the special symbol variable process (S1104), and the special symbol determination process (S1106) among the special symbol operation processes (S206) functions as a "variable game execution means".

[V round processing]
As shown in FIG. 33, in the V round process (S2113), first, it is determined whether the number of game balls entering the V attacker (second large winning hole 35) during the V round, that is, the count value by the aforementioned ball entry counting means, is the first predetermined value (c1) (S2701). As described above, in the V round, the movable piece 150 is operated based on the number of game balls entering the V attacker during the V round, and the "first predetermined value (first count value)" and "second predetermined value (second count value)" that determine the number of balls that trigger the operation are set in the aforementioned S2009. In S2701, it is determined whether the count value by the ball entry counting means in the current V round is the "first predetermined value (c1) corresponding to the number of balls that specifies the first operation timing" set in S2009. In this embodiment, the first predetermined value (c1) is set to "1" regardless of the type of jackpot (see Figure 48), so if the count value by the ball counting means is "1" (YES in S2701), processing of S2702 is performed, and if it is not "1" (NO in S2701), processing of S2703 is proceeded to without performing processing of S2702.

In S2702, a specific area opening/closing process is performed in which the specific area 39 is opened and closed by operating the movable piece 150 (S2702). Since the specific area opening/closing process here corresponds to the first operation of the movable piece 150 based on the number of balls entering the V attacker being "1", the operation of the movable piece 150 in this case is performed in a short opening operation pattern (first operation mode) that opens the specific area 39 for only 80 ms (see FIG. 49).

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

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

On the other hand, if it is determined that the V round being executed is related to a "V passing scheduled jackpot" (YES in S2703), it is determined whether or not the count value by the ball entry counting means is the second predetermined value (c2) (S2704). Here, it is determined whether or not the count value by the ball entry counting means in the V round (the number of balls that enter the V attacker) is the "second predetermined value (c2) corresponding to the number of balls that specifies the second operation timing" set in S2009. In this embodiment, since the second predetermined value (c2) is "2" (see FIG. 48), if the count value by the ball entry counting means is "2" (YES in S2704), the process of S2705 is performed, and if it is not "2" (NO in S2704), this process is terminated without performing the process of S2705.

In S2705, similar to S2702 described above, a specific area opening/closing process is performed to open and close the specific area 39 by operating the movable piece 150 (S2705). However, since the specific area opening/closing process in S2705 corresponds to the second operation of the movable piece 150 based on the number of balls entering the V attacker being "2", the operation of the movable piece 150 in this case is performed in a long opening operation pattern (second operation mode) that opens the specific area 39 for 3000 ms (3 seconds) (see FIG. 49). Also, in S2705, a specific area effective period is set in conjunction with the operation of the movable piece 150. As a result, when the specific area 39 is opened by the operation of the movable piece 150 in S2705 and a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during the specific area effective period, the detection is determined to be valid. On the other hand, if a game ball is detected by the specific area sensor 39a during a period other than the specific area valid period, the detection is determined to be invalid and an abnormal passage through the specific area (specific area error) is determined to have occurred (error determination means).

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

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

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

In S2203, a value corresponding to the number of variable plays (special symbol hit/miss determination) that can be performed in a high probability state is set in the probability hit counter. In this embodiment, the value is set to "150."

If it is determined in S2201 that the V flag is ON (YES in S2201) and steps S2202 to S2204 are performed, or if it is determined in S2201 that the V flag is not ON (OFF) (N in S2201), then the time-saving flag is turned ON (S2206), the time-saving counter is set (S2207), and this process ends.

In S2207, a value equivalent to the number of variable plays (special symbol hit/miss determination) that can be performed in the time-saving state and high base state (high frequency state) is set in the time-saving counter. The operation period of the time-saving function and high base generation function (also called the "time-saving period" or "electric support period") is determined by the number of times the special symbol changes (the number of times the variable play is performed). In this embodiment, the number is predetermined according to the type of jackpot.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, for the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th jackpots in 7R and the 8th jackpot in 15R, i.e., jackpots scheduled to pass through the V, the number is "150 times." On the other hand, for jackpots not scheduled to pass through the V, the number is "50 times" for the 2nd jackpot in 7R, "75 times" for the 4th jackpot in 7R, and "100 times" for the 6th jackpot in 7R and the 9th jackpot in 15R. In response to this, S2207 sets "50," "75," "100," or "150" depending on the type of jackpot that has ended (the current jackpot).

If the probability bonus counter and time-saving counter are both set to "150", after the jackpot game ends, the high probability high base state will be entered until the variable play (variable display of special symbols) is executed 150 times, and when the 150th variable play (miss variable) is executed, the high probability high base state will end and the low probability low base state will be entered. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the high probability high base state before the variable play is executed 150 times, the occurrence of the jackpot will be the trigger for the high probability high base state to end.

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

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

In addition, if the probability bonus counter is not set and the time-saving counter is set to "100", after the jackpot game ends, the low probability high base state will be entered until 100 variable play (display of special symbol fluctuations) are performed, and when the 100th variable play (miss fluctuation) is completed, the low probability high base state will end and the low probability low base state will be entered. Note that if a jackpot occurs in the low probability high base state before the variable play has been performed 100 times, the occurrence of the jackpot will be the trigger for the low probability high base state to end.

The time-saving counter and the probability-changing counter count the total number of times the first special symbol changes and the second special symbol changes. The values set in the time-saving counter and the probability-changing counter are not limited to those in this embodiment, and can be determined taking into consideration the gameplay and the ball output rate. For example, the time-saving counter and the probability-changing counter can be set to "10,000". Considering the probability of a jackpot in a high probability state, the business hours of a gaming establishment in one day, and the number of variable games that can be played during the business hours, the value of "10,000" (10,000 times) is essentially the same as guaranteeing a high probability state (high probability high base state) until the next jackpot occurs or until the business hours end. Therefore, when the game state is set to a high probability state (high probability high base state), it can be said that the high probability state (high probability high base state) is guaranteed until the next jackpot occurs (effectively the same).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Sub-control main processing]
Next, the operation of the performance control microcomputer 91 (control processing by the sub-control unit 90) will be described with reference to Figs. 39 to 47. The counters, flags, status, buffers, etc., which appear in the operation description of the performance control microcomputer 91, are provided in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 (sub-control unit). When the power supply of the pachinko game machine 1 is turned on (when the power supply board 109 starts supplying power), the performance control microcomputer 91 provided in the sub-control board 90 reads out the program of the sub-control main processing shown in Fig. 39 from the ROM of the sub-control board 90 and executes it. As shown in the figure, in the sub-control main processing, first, a CPU initialization process is performed (S4001). In the CPU initialization process (S4001), stack setting, constant setting, CPU setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (interrupt time controller), etc. are set, and various flags, statuses, and counters are reset.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[2ms timer interrupt processing]
The 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 2 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in Fig. 41, the 2 ms timer interrupt process (S4009) first performs an input process (S4201) to create switch data (edge data and level data) based on the detection signals from the performance button detection switches 63c and 63d. This switch data indicates whether or not the first performance button 63a and the second performance button 63b have been operated (ON, OFF), and is used to execute the operation-responsive performance based on the operation of the performance button 63. Next, a lamp data output process (S4202) is performed to output lamp data for illuminating lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 to a predetermined drive circuit (not shown) via the lamp control board 107 (see FIG. 5), and a drive data output process (S4203) is performed to output drive data for driving the movable decorative member 14 (electrical drive source) to a predetermined drive circuit (not shown) via the lamp control board 107 (see FIG. 5). The lamp data and drive data are created by the 10 ms timer interrupt process described below. Then, a watchdog timer process is performed to reset the watchdog timer (S4204).

[10 ms timer interrupt processing]
The 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) is a process executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec period is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 42, the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) first performs a received command analysis process (S4302) described later. Next, a switch state acquisition process is performed (S4303) to store the switch data created in the 2 ms timer interrupt process in the RAM of the sub-control board 90 as switch data for the 10 ms timer interrupt process, and a switch process is performed (S4304) to set the display contents (e.g., operation-responsive presentation) of the display screen 7a based on the switch data stored in the switch state acquisition process.

Next, the movable effect-related processing (S4305) described below is performed. After that, other processing such as creating lamp data (data that controls the lighting of the board lamps 5 and frame lamps 66) and updating the random numbers for determining the effects is performed (S4306), and then this processing ends.

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

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

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

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

In the variable presentation end process (S4407), a variable presentation end command is set in the sub-output buffer to stop the display of presentation pattern 8 and end the variable presentation. When the set variable presentation end command is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 stops the display of presentation pattern 8 that was being displayed on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7, and ends the variable presentation (presentation pattern game presentation). It can be said that the presentation control microcomputer 91, which executes the variable presentation start process (S4402) and the variable presentation end process (S4404), also functions as a "variable play execution means".

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

The special game effects (jackpot game effects) include at least the opening effects executed during the opening period before the big prize opening opens with the start of the special game (before the start of the first round), and the round effects executed during the round game that constitutes the special game (jackpot game).

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

The opening effects in this embodiment include opening effects that do not include moving effects and opening effects that include moving effects, and one of these opening effects (opening effect patterns) is selected in the special game effect selection process (S4409). Details of the opening effects will be described later.

Next, in S4410, it is determined whether or not an ending command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4410). As a result, if it is determined that an ending command has been received (YES in S4410), an ending effect selection process (S4411) is performed to select the effect pattern at the end of special play (ending effect) and the effect mode after the end of special play, and the like, and the process proceeds to S4413 shown in FIG. 44. On the other hand, if it is determined that an ending command has not been received (NO in S4410), the process proceeds to S4413 without performing the ending effect selection process (S4411).

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

Next, in S4413, it is determined whether or not a specific area passing command has been received from the main control board 80 (S4413). As a result, if it is determined that a specific area passing command has not been received (NO in S4413), the process proceeds to S4418 without performing the process of S4415, and if it is determined that a specific area passing command has been received (YES in S4413), a V passing designation command is set in the sub output buffer (S4415).

When the V-passing designation command set in S4415 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads image data for notifying that a V-passing has occurred from the ROM of the image control board 100, and executes a V-passing notification effect based on the read image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7. Examples of V-passing notification effects include displaying a "V" character image on the display screen 7a, or outputting a sound effect indicating a V-passing. Note that, although the possibility is extremely low, even if a V-passing occurs on the 9th jackpot of the 15th round, which is a jackpot that is not scheduled to V-pass, the V-passing designation command is set (S4415) and the V-passing notification effect is executed.

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

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

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

[Variable performance start processing]
Next, the variable performance start process (S4402) executed based on the reception of the variable performance start command from the main control board 80 in the received command analysis process (S4302) will be described. As shown in FIG. 45, in the variable performance start process (S4402), first, a random number process for determining performance is performed to acquire various random numbers for determining performance, such as a random number for determining a variable performance, a random number for determining a notice performance, a random number for determining a performance pattern, and a random number for determining a specific performance (S4501). In this embodiment, the process of S4501 is performed at the timing when the variable performance start command is received from the main control unit 80, and a predetermined value (acquired information) is acquired from each random number. Based on the acquired value, the variable performance to be executed, the notice performance, the performance pattern to be displayed, etc. are determined. In addition, the variable performance means a performance executed in accordance with the variable display (variable play) from the start of the variable display of the special pattern to the end (stop display), and not only the performance pattern play performance (variable display and stop display of the performance pattern 8), but also the movable performance, sound performance, light performance, etc. can be regarded as a variable performance.

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

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

Here, the presentation mode refers to the presentation environment (presentation format) when variable play is executed, and when the presentation mode is different, some or all of the presentation aspects of various presentations such as the background of the display screen 7a, variable presentation, reach presentation, and preview presentation will be different. Specifically, for example, the display aspect of the presentation pattern 8 (e.g., pattern design, number design, etc.) will be different, and the characters, items, and background images that appear will be different, and so on, and the image (presentation display) displayed on the image display device 7 will be different depending on the presentation mode. Also, when multiple game presentations (reach presentation, preview presentation, etc.) are provided, it may be possible to execute different game presentations depending on the presentation mode.

In this embodiment, when the game state is controlled to a low probability low base state, one of presentation modes A, B, or C is set, when the game state is controlled to a low probability high base state, presentation mode D is set when the game state is controlled to a high probability high base state, and presentation mode E is set when the game state is controlled to a high probability high base state. Therefore, by checking the presentation mode, the player can know whether the current game state is a low probability low base state, a low probability high base state, or a high probability high base state. Note that a presentation mode (non-probability notification mode) may be provided in which it is difficult (effectively impossible) to know whether the current game state is a low probability high base state or a high probability high base state (whether or not there is a probability change) even when checking the presentation mode.

The presentation mode in the low probability low base state, "A", "B", or "C" (mode status "1", "2", or "3"), can be selected (determined) by, for example, a lottery (random number lottery) using random numbers for selecting the presentation mode. In addition, when changing the presentation mode between presentation modes A to C, this change can be triggered by the establishment of a predetermined presentation mode change condition, such as the number of times that variable play is executed (number of times that the pattern changes) in one presentation mode reaches a predetermined number of times or winning a presentation mode change lottery (random number lottery). In addition, presentation mode D is set upon a transition to a low probability high base state after the end of a jackpot game related to a V non-passing scheduled jackpot, and presentation mode E is set upon a transition to a high probability high base state after the end of a jackpot game related to a V passing scheduled jackpot. Then, when a predetermined number of (150 in this example) variable play (miss variable) games are played in presentation mode E (high probability high base state) without a jackpot occurring, the high probability high base state ends with that variable play and transitions to a low probability low base state, which triggers the setting of one of presentation modes A to C (for example, presentation mode A). Note that, since the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called "ST machine," presentation mode E (high probability high base state) is also referred to as "ST mode."

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

Next, in S4505, a variable performance pattern that matches the specified variable performance pattern is selected and set based on the variable performance determination random number obtained in S4501 and the variable performance pattern determination table set in S4504 (S4505). The variable performance pattern mainly includes the execution period of the variable performance (also called the "variable performance period" or "variable performance time") and the variable mode of the performance pattern 8 displayed in the performance pattern display area 7b (execution mode of the performance pattern game performance). This determines whether or not the reach performance is executed within the variable period in the performance pattern game performance (variable performance) (reach variable performance), or not (normal variable performance). In addition, the variable performance pattern includes the execution mode of the display performance, sound performance, light performance, movable performance, etc. that are executed in conjunction with the variable display of the performance pattern 8, in addition to the variable mode of the performance pattern 8, and whether or not these performances are executed is also determined.

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

Here, as shown in FIG. 51(A), the variation presentation pattern in this embodiment is roughly divided into a miss variation presentation pattern corresponding to a miss variation and a big win variation presentation pattern corresponding to a big win variation. In this embodiment, the miss variation presentation pattern and the big win variation presentation pattern are further classified according to the presence or absence of reach presentation and movable presentation, respectively. Specifically, the miss variation presentation pattern is classified into three: a first miss variation presentation pattern that does not include reach presentation and movable presentation, a second miss variation presentation pattern that includes reach presentation and does not include movable presentation, and a third miss variation presentation pattern that includes both reach presentation and movable presentation. In addition, the big win variation presentation pattern is classified into two: a first big win variation presentation pattern that includes reach presentation and does not include movable presentation, and a second big win variation presentation pattern that includes both reach presentation and movable presentation.

The variable presentation pattern set (selected) in S4505 will belong (correspond) to at least one of the first to third miss variable presentation patterns and the first and second jackpot variable presentation patterns. Note that, since there are multiple reach presentation patterns such as normal reach presentation and super reach presentation as described below, variable presentation patterns including reach presentation (other than the first miss variable presentation pattern) are further classified according to the reach presentation pattern. Also, the variable presentation pattern belonging to the first miss variable presentation pattern, the variable presentation pattern belonging to the second miss variable presentation pattern, and the variable presentation pattern belonging to the third miss variable presentation pattern may each be one type or multiple types. This is also true for the first and second jackpot variable presentation patterns.

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

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

The stop display mode (stop display pattern) of the performance pattern 8 shown in this embodiment is merely an example, and it is possible to set what is displayed as the stop display pattern as appropriate. In addition, for a 7R jackpot, it may be possible to determine whether it is a V-passing jackpot or a V-non-passing jackpot through the stop display mode of the performance pattern 8, and for a 15R 8th jackpot and a 15R 9th jackpot, it may be impossible to determine whether it is a V-passing jackpot or a V-non-passing jackpot through the stop display mode of the performance pattern 8. In addition, for all jackpots, it may be possible or impossible to determine whether it is a V-passing jackpot or a V-non-passing jackpot through the stop display mode of the performance pattern 8.

In addition, the performance pattern 8 that is temporarily stopped in the middle of the variable display before reaching the final stop, i.e., the temporary stop pattern, is basically set to a number other than the aforementioned doublet (jackpot mode) (reach miss, complete miss, etc.). However, for example, in the case of a variable performance pattern that executes a so-called "redraw" in which the performance pattern 8 is stopped with a doublet and then displayed again, the temporary stop pattern is set to a number corresponding to a relatively low-advantage jackpot (jackpot mode). In this case, the temporary stop pattern is set to a number corresponding to a relatively low-advantage jackpot (for example, a jackpot not scheduled to pass 15RV, which is less advantageous than a jackpot scheduled to pass 15RV). In addition, the final stop pattern after the redraw can again be set to a number corresponding to a relatively low-advantage jackpot, or a number corresponding to a relatively high-advantage jackpot. Furthermore, because the performance pattern 8 is temporarily stopped just before (at the last moment) the variable display ends and the fixed stop occurs, the performance pattern 8 that temporarily stops just before the fixed stop is also a temporary stop pattern, but in this case the temporary stop pattern is the same as the fixed stop pattern.

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

For example, when a variable performance with reach is executed, one of the reach performances is set based on the variable pattern designation command and the variable performance pattern determination table. Here, when a super reach performance (any of SP reach A to C) is executed, it is set so that the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when a normal reach performance (any of reach A to C) is executed. In other words, it can be said that the super reach performance is a game performance with a higher possibility of a jackpot (expectation of a jackpot) than a normal reach performance. Also, when a reach performance is executed and a movable performance is executed, it is set so that the possibility of a jackpot is higher than when a reach performance is executed without executing a movable performance. In other words, it can be said that a reach performance with a movable performance is a game performance with a higher possibility of a jackpot (expectation of a jackpot) than a reach performance without a movable performance.

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

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

For example, when the function to shorten the time for changing the special symbols according to the number of reserved balls or the game status is not activated (when the function to shorten the time for changing is not activated), and the three performance symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R start to change, the left performance symbol 8L (first stop symbol) stops (temporarily stops) at a timing when a predetermined time (for example, 9 seconds) has elapsed from the start of the change, followed by the right performance symbol 8R (second stop symbol) stopping (temporarily stopping). At this time, if the left and right performance symbols 8L and 8R stop (temporarily stop) with the same number (reach state), a reach is established, and then the reach performance develops. In the reach performance, if the reach performance is a normal reach, a performance image corresponding to the normal reach is displayed on the display screen 7a, and if it is a SP reach, a performance image corresponding to the SP reach is displayed on the display screen 7a.

On the other hand, if the reach is not established (i.e., if it is a normal change), the right performance pattern 8R (second stop pattern) stops (temporarily stops), followed by the middle performance pattern 8C (third stop pattern). In this embodiment, in a normal change, the time it takes from the start of the change of the performance pattern 8 until the third stop pattern (middle performance pattern 8C in this example) stops (temporarily stops) is about 11 seconds. However, in a normal change when the change time shortening function for special patterns is activated, the time it takes from the start of the change display until the left performance pattern 8L (first stop pattern) stops (temporarily stops) is shorter than usual (when the change time shortening function is not activated), and accordingly, the time it takes for the right performance pattern 8R (second stop pattern) and the middle performance pattern 8C (third stop pattern) to stop (temporarily stop) is also shorter.

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

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

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

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

The RAM of the sub-controller 90 (microcomputer 91 for controlling performance) is provided with a timer that manages (monitors, measures) periods (times) related to performances, such as the execution period (variation period) of a variable performance, the execution period of each performance (also called "performance within period") such as a reach performance or a movable performance during the variable period, and the effective operation period (described below) during which operation of the performance button 63 (first performance button 63a or second performance button 63b) is enabled during the variable period. Based on this timer, the sub-controller 90 (microcomputer 91 for controlling performance) is configured to be able to control the start and end of the execution period of various performances, the effective operation period, etc.

[Movable effect related processing]
Next, the movable effect-related process (S4305) executed in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S4010) will be described. This process is related to the operation of the movable decorative member 14 (movable effect).

As shown in FIG. 46, the movable performance-related process (S4305) first determines whether the first operating condition is met (S4701). As described above, the first operating condition is a condition that triggers the execution of the first operating mode, which moves (raises) the movable decorative member 14 from the starting position (first state) to the end position.

For example, if a variable performance pattern including a movable performance (third miss variable performance pattern or second jackpot variable performance pattern) is selected (set) in the aforementioned S4505, when a predetermined operation start timing occurs during a variable performance based on that variable performance pattern, the movable decorative member 14 located at the starting point position will operate in the first operation mode. Also, if an opening performance pattern including a movable performance is selected (set) in the opening performance selection process (S4900) described below, when a predetermined operation start timing occurs during an opening performance based on that opening performance pattern, the movable decorative member 14 located at the starting point position will operate in the first operation mode.

In S4701, if the activation start timing as described above occurs when the movable decorative member 14 is at the starting position, it is determined that the first activation condition is met. Note that the activation start timing of the movable decorative member 14 can be set appropriately within the performance pattern (included in the performance pattern).

In addition, the determination of whether the movable decorative member 14 is in the starting position (non-operating state) can be performed, for example, by providing a sensor (also called the "starting position detection means" or "first position detection means") that can detect that the movable decorative member 14 is in the starting position, inputting the detection signal to the sub-control board 90, and based on the detection signal (position determination means). If the movable decorative member 14 is not in the starting position (non-operating state) when the operation start timing of the movable decorative member 14 arrives (the timing when the first operation condition is met) (for example, when the detection signal of the starting position detection means is OFF), the movable decorative member 14 is not operated in the first operation mode, and the notification (set of the operation notification command described later) by the notification image 500 described later is not performed. This is because the normal operation of the movable decorative member 14 cannot be guaranteed, which may lead to malfunctions such as malfunctions or damage to the movable decorative member 14. In such a case, a process (return process) is performed to return the movable decorative member 14 to the starting position (non-operating state), and if it is confirmed that the movable decorative member 14 is in the starting position (non-operating state) as a result, the movable performance can be performed thereafter. On the other hand, if it cannot be confirmed that the movable decorative member 14 is in the starting position (non-operating state) despite the return process being performed, an error notification is issued by the panel lamp 5 or the image display device 7 (display screen 7a), etc. This makes it possible to notify the outside world that a malfunction (trouble) has occurred with the movable decorative member 14 (a type of information regarding the movable performance means).

If it is determined in S4701 that the first operation condition is met (YES in S4701), the first drive data for operating the movable decorative member 14 in the first operation mode is set in the sub-output buffer (S4703), and an operation notification command for notifying the operation of the movable decorative member 14 is set in the sub-output buffer (S4705). On the other hand, if it is determined in S4701 that the first operation condition is not met (NO in S4701), the process proceeds to S4707 without carrying out the processes of S4703 and S4705.

When the first drive data set in S4703 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the movable decorative element 14 operates in the first operation mode in accordance with the first drive data (see Figs. 52 (A)-(C), Figs. 55 (A)-(C)). In addition, when the operation notification command set in S4705 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads image data corresponding to the operation notification command from the ROM of the image control board 100, and displays the notification image 500 based on the image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 (see Figs. 52 (A)-(C), Figs. 55 (A)-(C)).

The notification image 500 is displayed at a predetermined position on the display screen 7a at least while the movable decorative member 14 is operating in the first operating mode, i.e., while it is moving (rising) from the start position to the end position. In this embodiment, it is displayed at the bottom left of the screen on the side (left side) where the movable decorative member 14 is provided. Then, when the movable decorative member 14 reaches the end position, the notification image 500 is removed from the screen. The display of this notification image 500 (operation notification) notifies the user that the movable decorative member 14 will move (rise) from the start position to the end position (changing from a non-operating state to an operating state).

Next, in S4707, it is determined whether the second operating condition is met (S4707). As described above, the second operating condition is a condition that triggers the execution of the second operating mode, which tilts the movable decorative member 14 to the right after it has moved to the end position (in the second state).

For example, if a jackpot variable performance pattern (second jackpot variable performance pattern) including a movable performance is selected (set) in S4505 described above, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode in a variable performance based on that variable performance pattern, reaches the end position, and then when a specified tilt timing arrives, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the second operating mode. Also, if an opening performance pattern including a movable performance is selected (set) in the opening performance selection process (S4900) described below, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode in an opening performance based on that opening performance pattern, reaches the end position, and then when a specified tilt timing arrives, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the second operating mode.

In S4707, when the movable decorative member 14 reaches the end position and the tilt timing as described above arrives, it is determined that the second operation condition is met. The tilt timing of the movable decorative member 14 can be any timing after the movable decorative member 14 reaches the end position, and can be appropriately set within the performance pattern (included in the performance pattern), for example, immediately after reaching the end position (approximately the same timing as reaching), or several seconds after reaching the end position (a timing with a pause after reaching).

In addition, the determination of whether the movable decorative member 14 has reached the end position (whether it is in an operating state) can be made, for example, by providing a sensor (also called an "end position detection means" or "second position detection means") that can detect that the movable decorative member 14 is in the end position, and inputting the detection signal to the sub-control board 90, based on the detection signal. Even in this case, it can be configured to perform recovery processing, error notification, etc., as in the case of the start position (non-operating state) described above.

If it is determined in S4707 that the second operation condition is met (YES in S4707), second drive data for operating the movable decorative member 14 in the second operation mode is set in the sub-output buffer (S4709), and a tilting performance command for displaying a performance associated with the operation of the movable decorative member 14 based on the second drive data is set in the sub-output buffer (S4711). On the other hand, if it is determined in S4707 that the second operation condition is not met (NO in S4707), the process proceeds to S4713 without carrying out the processes of S4709 and S4711.

When the second drive data set in S4709 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the movable decorative element 14 operates in the second operating mode in accordance with the second drive data (see Figures 52 (D), 54 (A), and 55 (D)). In addition, when the tilt performance command set in S4711 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads image data corresponding to the tilt performance command from the ROM of the image control board 100, and displays a performance display based on the image data on the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 (see Figures 52 (D), 54 (A), and 55 (D)). This performance display will be described later.

Next, in S4713, it is determined whether the return condition for returning the movable decorative member 14, which is in an operating state (second state) due to operation in the first operating mode or the second operating mode, to a non-operating state (first state) is met (S4713). As a result, if it is determined that the return condition is met (YES in S4713), the third drive data for returning the movable decorative member 14 to a non-operating state is set in the sub-output buffer (S4715), and this processing ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the return condition is not met (NO in S4713), the processing proceeds to S4717, which will be described later. The fulfillment of the return condition will be described later.

When the third drive data set in S4715 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the movable decorative member 14 operates in the third operating mode in accordance with the third drive data, and moves from the end position to the start position (see Figures 54 (B) and 56 (D)).

In S4717, it is determined whether the movable decorative member 14 is in the end position, i.e., whether it is in the operating state (second state) (S4717). As described above, this determination can be made based on the detection signal of a sensor (end position detection means) that can detect that the movable decorative member 14 is in the end position. If the detection signal is ON, it is determined that the movable decorative member 14 is in the end position (YES in S4717), and if it is OFF, it is determined that it is not in the end position (NO in S4717).

If it is determined in S4717 that the movable decorative member 14 is not at the end position (NO in S4717), this process ends without proceeding to S4719. If it is determined that the movable decorative member 14 is at the end position (YES in S4717), it is determined whether or not an instruction to return the movable decorative member 14 to a non-operating state (return instruction) has been input (S4719). As described above, the return instruction is input by operating the return instruction button or the performance button 63. Then, it is possible to determine whether or not a return instruction has been input based on the detection signal from the return instruction button detection switch or the performance button detection switch. If the detection signal is ON, it is determined that a return instruction has been input (YES in S4719), and if it is OFF, it is determined that a return instruction has not been input (NO in S4719).

If it is determined in S4719 that a return command has been input (YES in S4719), the third drive data for returning the movable decorative member 14 to a non-operating state is set in the sub-output buffer (S4715), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4719 that a return command has not been input (NO in S4719), it is determined whether or not an additional operation condition has been met (S4721).

The details will be described later, but the additional movable performance that activates the movable decorative member 14 at the end position (second state) is executed (started) when (a) the opening performance related to the jackpot starts when a V-passing jackpot occurs in a low-probability low-base state, (b) the round advances to the next round in the jackpot game related to the jackpot, and (c) the ST mode performance (performance mode E) after the jackpot game related to the jackpot starts. The additional movable performance is then executed in an operation mode corresponding to each execution timing. When any of these timings (a) to (c) arrives, it is determined that the additional operation condition has been established (YES in S4721). Note that the additional movable performance executed at each of the timings (a) to (c) may have different operation modes of the movable decorative member 14, or may have the same operation mode.

If it is determined in S4721 that the additional activation condition is met (YES in S4721), additional drive data for operating the movable decorative member 14 in an activation mode corresponding to the timing at which the additional activation condition is met (any of the timings (a) to (c) above) is set in the sub-output buffer (S4723), and this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in S4721 that the additional activation condition is not met (NO in S4721), this process ends without performing the process of S4723.

When the additional drive data set in S4723 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the movable decorative member 14 operates according to the additional drive data, and the additional movement performance is executed.

In addition, in the above-mentioned S4717, instead of judging whether the movable decorative member 14 is at the end point position (second state), it may be judged whether the movable decorative member 14 is at the start point position, i.e., whether it is in the non-operating state (first state). In this case, as described above, the judgment can be made based on the detection signal of a sensor (start point position detection means) that can detect that the movable decorative member 14 is at the start point position. If the detection signal is ON, it is judged that the movable decorative member 14 is at the start point position, and if it is OFF, it is judged that it is not at the start point position. This is because if the movable decorative member 14 is not at the start point position, it can be considered that the movable decorative member 14 is at the end point position. Then, if it is judged that the movable decorative member 14 is not at the start point position, proceed to S4719, and if it is judged that it is at the start point position, this process ends without proceeding to S4719. When configured in this way to determine whether the movable decorative member 14 is at the start point position, the sensor (position detection means) that detects the position of the movable decorative member 14 must at least be a sensor (start point position detection means) that can detect that it is at the start point position; the configuration can be adapted even if it does not include a sensor (end point position detection means) that can detect that it is at the end point position, which leads to a reduction in the number of parts.

[Opening performance selection process]
Next, we will explain the opening effect selection process (S4900), which is a process related to the selection of an opening effect, as part of the special game effect selection process (S4409) that is executed based on receiving an opening command from the main control board 80 in the received command analysis process (S4302).

As shown in FIG. 51 (B), the opening performance patterns in this embodiment include a first opening performance pattern and a second opening performance pattern. The first opening performance pattern is an opening performance pattern that does not include a movable performance, and the second opening performance pattern is an opening performance pattern that includes a movable performance. The opening performance selection process (S4900) is a process that selects one of the two opening performance patterns.

As shown in FIG. 47, in the opening effect selection process (S4900), first, it is determined whether or not the movable effect completion flag provided in a predetermined area of the RAM of the sub-control board 90 is ON (S4901). The movable effect completion flag is a flag that indicates whether or not a variable effect based on a jackpot variable effect pattern (second jackpot variable effect pattern) including a movable effect has been executed, and is ON when executed.

Therefore, when a jackpot game starts after a change presentation based on a jackpot change presentation pattern that includes a moving presentation (second jackpot change presentation pattern), the "movable presentation completed" is ON. On the other hand, when a jackpot game starts after a change presentation based on a jackpot change presentation pattern that does not include a moving presentation (first jackpot change presentation pattern), the "movable presentation completed" is OFF.

If it is determined in S4901 that the movement performance has been completed is ON (YES in S4901), the first opening performance pattern is selected (S4903), and if it is determined that the movement performance has been completed is not ON (OFF) (NO in S4901), the second opening performance pattern is selected (S4905). After this, the movement performance completion flag is cleared (S4907), and this processing ends.

When the first opening performance pattern is selected (set), an opening performance that does not include a movable performance is executed. For example, when the movable decorative member 14 is in an activated state, or when the movable decorative member 14 that has been activated returns to a non-activated state, an opening performance is executed on the image display device 7, etc. (see Figures 53 (A) and 54 (B)).

When the second opening performance pattern is selected (set), an opening performance including a moving performance is executed. For example, an opening performance is executed on the image display device 7 etc., accompanied by a change of the movable decorative member 14 from a non-operating state to an operating state (i.e., a moving performance) (see Figures 55 (A) to (D)).

In this pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects are executed according to the progress of the game under the control process by the effect control microcomputer 91 described above. Below, examples of such effects (effects executed under the control of the effect control means) that involve the movable effect related process (S4305) and the opening effect selection process (S4900) are described. Note that the steps (S) in the explanations of the following effect examples 1 to 3 correspond to the steps of the control process by the effect control microcomputer 91 described above.

[Example 1]
With reference to Figures 52 and 53, the performance example 1 will be described. The performance example 1 shows the flow (development) of the performance when the "jackpot variable performance including movable performance (second jackpot variable performance pattern)" is executed with the variable play in the low probability low base state as the variable performance related to the V passing scheduled jackpot. That is, in the low probability low base state, the V passing scheduled jackpot (for example, 7R 1st jackpot, 7R 3rd jackpot, 7R 5th jackpot, or 7R 7th jackpot) occurs, and the variable performance based on the second jackpot variable performance pattern is executed in the variable play related to the jackpot (specific variable play).

In a variable performance based on the second jackpot variable performance pattern (variable performance with movable performance), a reach performance is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a at a predetermined time during the variable performance (during specific variable play). After that, when the reach performance develops into an SP reach performance in the variable performance, an image corresponding to the SP reach performance (also called an "SP reach performance image") is displayed on the display screen 7a. The SP reach performance image is an example of a "predetermined image", and the SP reach performance is an example of a "first display performance" in which an SP reach performance image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a. In addition, the game state (here, low probability low base state) when the SP reach performance (first display performance) is executed is an example of a "first game state".

In the SP reach performance, for example, a story-like performance image (animation image) such as a friendly character facing off against an enemy character or a character taking on a mission is displayed as the SP reach performance image. Then, after the development into the SP reach performance, when a specified activation start timing arrives (YES in S4701), the movable decorative member 14 located at the starting position (first state) activates in the first activation mode (S4703). The flow of the performance when the SP reach performance is executed is shown in Figures 52 (A) to (C).

As shown in Figures 52 (A) to (C), the SP reach effect (first display effect) is executed during the variable effect and the movable effect in which the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode is executed when a jackpot variable effect pattern (second jackpot variable effect pattern) including a movable effect or a miss variable effect pattern (third miss variable effect pattern) including a movable effect is selected (set) in S4505 described above. Therefore, when the second jackpot variable effect pattern or the third miss variable effect pattern is selected (set) in S4505, the execution conditions for the SP reach effect (first display effect) and the movable effect are met.

In addition, when the SP reach effect is executed, the effect pattern 8 in the reach-established state (reach state) is displayed smaller (reduced) than usual (see Figure 3) at the bottom left of the display screen 7a.

When the timing for the movable decorative member 14 to start operating arrives while the SP reach performance is being executed (displayed), a notification image 500 indicating that the movable decorative member 14 will operate (the state of the movable performance means will change) is displayed in the lower left corner of the display screen 7a (near the movable decorative member 14). This notification image 500 is displayed based on the operation notification command (S4705). Note that the notification image 500 is an example of "information related to the movable performance means", and the display screen 7a (image display device 7) that displays the notification image 500 is an example of "notification means". The notification image 500 is also displayed when the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operation mode in a miss-changing performance that includes a moving performance (third miss-changing performance pattern).

In this embodiment, the notification image 500 is a figure (illustration) of a "hand pointing towards the movable decorative member 14", but the form is not particularly important as long as it can make the player aware that the movable decorative member 14 is operating (that the state of the movable presentation means is changing). For example, it is also possible to display text (messages) such as "operating" or "attention", or to display an arrow pointing towards the movable decorative member 14. It is also possible to notify the player that the movable decorative member 14 is operating (that the state of the movable presentation means is changing) by a sound from the speaker 67, or by lighting up the panel lamp 5.

As shown in Figures 52 (A) to (C), when the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode during the SP reach performance and rises from the start position to the end position (changing from the first state to the second state), the notification image 500 continues to be displayed during that time. Figure 52 (B) shows the movable decorative member 14 rising toward the end position, and Figure 52 (C) shows the movable decorative member 14 having reached the end position (second state).

Next, as shown in FIG. 52(C), after the movable decorative member 14 reaches the end position, when the predetermined tilt timing arrives (YES in S4707), the movable decorative member 14 operates in the second operating mode and tilts to the right as shown in FIG. 52(D) (S4709). At this time, on the display screen 7a, a jackpot notification effect is executed (displayed) to notify that the result of the variable effect (reach effect) is a jackpot, and an effect image 510 is displayed to notify that the jackpot is a V-pass scheduled jackpot. In other words, after the end of the SP reach effect (first display effect), the movable decorative member 14 maintains the second state (end position), and the jackpot notification effect and the effect image 510 are used to notify of the V-pass scheduled jackpot. The jackpot notification effect is also called a "specific notification effect."

In addition, when the big win notification effect is executed, the effect pattern 8 that was displayed in a reduced size at the bottom right of the display screen 7a during the SP reach effect is displayed temporarily stopped in a big win mode while still in the reduced size.

In addition, when the movable decorative member 14 operates in the second operating mode (tilting to the right), the notification image 500 that was displayed up until that point is erased from the screen and becomes hidden. Note that when the movable decorative member 14 operates in the second operating mode, the notification image 500 may continue to be displayed, or a different notification image may be displayed that indicates that the movable decorative member 14 is operating in the second operating mode.

In the jackpot notification effect, an image suggesting a jackpot (also called a "jackpot suggestion image") is displayed on the display screen 7a, such as a scene in which an ally character wins a battle against an enemy character, or a scene in which a character clears (achieves) a mission. The jackpot suggestion image is an example of a "predetermined image," and the jackpot notification effect is an example of a "second display effect" in which a jackpot suggestion image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a.

The performance image 510 is displayed based on the tilt performance command (S4711) and is displayed as the movable decorative member 14 tilts to the right. This tilting of the movable decorative member 14 to the right and the accompanying display of the performance image 510 are also referred to as a "tilt performance." The tilt performance is an example of "a performance using a movable performance member in the second state."

In this embodiment, the presentation image 510 is a caption display (caption image) in which the display content (information) moves (flows) from the flag portion of the movable decorative member 14 tilted to the right toward the right side of the screen. In addition, the presentation image 510 when notifying that a V-passing jackpot has occurred includes the words "Super lucky!", and the player is made aware of the occurrence of a V-passing jackpot through these words (see FIG. 52 (D)). Note that the presentation image 510 when notifying that a V-passing jackpot has occurred may be of any form as long as it can make the player aware of the occurrence of a V-passing jackpot.

In this way, after the movable decorative member 14 tilts to the right at the end position to execute the jackpot notification effect and the tilting effect, the effect pattern 8 that had been temporarily stopped in the jackpot state in the lower right of the display screen 7a returns to its normal size (enlarged) and is fixedly stopped at the bottom of the effect image 510 (not shown). When the stop display time (jackpot stop display time) related to this fixed stop has elapsed, the variable effect (specific variable game) ends. Next, on the display screen 7a, as shown in Figures 53 (A) to (C), the movable decorative member 14 remains in a state of tilting to the right at the end position (operating state, second state), and the effects are developed in the following order: an opening effect at the start of a jackpot game related to a V-passing jackpot, a round effect during a jackpot game (round game), and an ST mode effect (effect mode E) after a jackpot game. In other words, after the SP reach performance (first display performance) ends, the jackpot notification performance, opening performance, round performance, ending performance (not shown), and ST mode performance are executed in this order while maintaining the second state (end position) of the movable decorative member 14. Note that the opening performance in this performance example 1 is an opening performance (first opening performance pattern) that does not include a movable performance.

The opening effect is executed when the game state transitions to the jackpot game state, during the period (opening period) before the first round of jackpot play begins. When the opening effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 53(A), the content of the effect image 510 (caption display) indicates the number of jackpots that have occurred. This indicates the number of consecutive jackpots (so-called "consecutive jackpots") that will occur in the subsequent ST mode (high probability, high base state). Here, the word "1st" is displayed in response to the occurrence of a jackpot scheduled to pass through the V, which is the so-called "first hit." This number display is then incremented according to the number of jackpots that occur while jackpots are repeatedly occurring in ST mode.

When the opening performance begins (YES in S4721), the movable decorative member 14 vibrates (sways) for a predetermined period of time while tilted to the right at the end position. This vibration (swing) of the movable decorative member 14 is the first additional movable performance, and is executed according to the additional drive data set in S4723. The time that the movable decorative member 14 vibrates (swings) is set to be less than or equal to the execution time of the opening performance (opening time). In time with the vibration (swing) of the movable decorative member 14, the performance image 510 (caption display) begins to display the number of jackpots that have occurred.

Here, in the opening performance, for example, an image (also called an "opening image") such as a message or background announcing the start of a jackpot game (jackpot game state) is displayed on the display screen 7a. The opening image is an example of a "predetermined image", and the opening performance is an example of a "second display performance" in which an opening image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a. Also, the game state (jackpot game state) when the opening performance (second display performance) is executed is an example of a "second game state". Furthermore, the performance (first additional movable performance) in which the movable decorative member 14 vibrates (sways) while tilted to the right at the end position when the opening performance starts, and the accompanying display of the number of jackpot occurrences by the performance image 510 are examples of "performances using a movable performance member in the second state".

Following the opening effect, a round effect is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a. The round effect is executed when the game state is a jackpot game state (during jackpot play). When the round effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 53(B), the content of the effect image 510 (caption display) indicates the number of prize balls won in the jackpot game (the amount of game profit given to the player) and the number of jackpots (number of consecutive jackpots) mentioned above. The display of the number of prize balls won (also called the "number of prize balls won display") is updated (added) based on the detection of a game ball entering the jackpot opening. The number of prize balls won display can display the number of prize balls won per jackpot game, or the total number of prize balls won in the case of consecutive jackpots.

The round performance is executed for each round play from the first round to the final round. When the interval period between round play starts (YES in S4721), the movable decorative member 14 at the end position is activated and tilted to the left as shown in FIG. 52 (C), and when the interval period ends (YES in S4721), the movable decorative member 14 at the end position is activated and tilted to the right as shown in FIG. 53 (B). This tilting of the movable decorative member 14 to the left and right triggered by the start and end of the interval period is a second additional movable performance, and is executed according to the additional drive data set in S4723. From the second round onwards, the round performance progresses (the content of the round performance changes) in accordance with the operation (tilting to the right) of the movable decorative member 14 triggered by the end of the interval period (start of the next round).

Here, in the round performance, for example, letters (numbers) indicating the number of rounds being performed, items, and images such as characters and backgrounds corresponding to the round being performed (also called "round images") are displayed on the display screen 7a. The round image is an example of a "predetermined image", and the round performance is an example of a "second display performance" in which a round image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a. The game state (jackpot game state) when the round performance (second display performance) is performed is an example of a "second game state". Furthermore, the performance (second additional movable performance) in which the movable decorative member 14 is tilted to the left at the end position at the start of the interval period and the movable decorative member 14 is tilted to the right at the end position at the end of the interval period (start of the next round), and the associated display of the number of winning balls and the number of jackpots by the performance image 510 are examples of "performances using the movable performance member in the second state".

In the ST mode (high probability, high base state) after a jackpot game, which is entered via the above opening and round effects, an ST mode effect is executed. In the ST mode effect, as shown in FIG. 53(C), the content of the effect image 510 (caption display) indicates that the current game state is ST mode (high probability, high base state). At this time, the display screen 7a also displays an image 520 (remaining number of changes image) indicating the number of remaining changes (ST period) until the ST mode ends.

When the ST mode performance begins (YES in S4721), a continuous reciprocating operation begins in which the movable decorative member 14 at the end position repeats reciprocating movement (left and right tilting) between a state tilted to the right and a state tilted to the left (see Figure 52 (C)), and this continuous reciprocating operation continues during the ST mode performance (ST mode). This continuous reciprocating operation of the movable decorative member 14 is the third additional movable performance, and is executed according to the additional drive data set in S4723. In addition, along with the continuous reciprocating operation of the movable decorative member 14, a display of the ST mode is executed using the performance image 510 (caption display).

Here, in the ST mode presentation, for example, images of characters, backgrounds, etc. for ST mode (also called "ST mode images") are displayed on the display screen 7a. The ST mode image is an example of a "predetermined image", and the ST mode presentation is an example of a "second display presentation" in which an ST mode image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a. Also, the game state (high probability high base state) when the ST mode presentation (second display presentation) is executed is an example of a "second game state". Furthermore, the presentation in which the movable decorative member 14 moves back and forth continuously at the end position during the ST mode presentation (third additional movable presentation) and the accompanying display during the ST mode by the presentation image 510 are examples of "presentations using movable presentation members in the second state".

In this way, after the transition to ST mode with the movable decorative member 14 at the end position (operation state, second state), as long as the ST mode is repeated (a consecutive win continues) with a V-passing jackpot (V-passing) in between, the movable decorative member 14 is kept in the operation state (second state), and variable play (variation presentation) and jackpot play (jackpot play presentation) are executed in that state. Therefore, during ST mode, variable presentation patterns including movable presentations and opening presentation patterns (see FIG. 51) are not selected (set). Then, after the transition to ST mode, when a predetermined number of variable plays (e.g., 150 times) are executed without a jackpot occurring and the ST mode ends, or when the ST mode ends due to the occurrence of a V-non-passing jackpot (YES in S4713), the movable decorative member 14 operates in the third operation mode and returns to the non-operation state (first state) (S4715). In other words, the conditions for returning the movable decorative member 14 in the operating state (second state) to the non-operating state (first state) are met together with the conditions for terminating the ST mode.

In this embodiment, when the movable decorative member 14 operates in the third operating mode (when it returns to a non-operating state), information regarding its operation (that the state of the movable presentation means is changing) is not announced. This is because the return of the movable decorative member 14 occurs due to the end of the movable presentation, and does not have any particular significance in terms of the progression of the game (presentation). For this reason, when the movable decorative member 14 returns to a non-operating state, the player is not actively informed of this. The same applies to presentation examples 2 and 3 described below.

In addition, when the movable decorative member 14 returns to the inoperative state, it is also possible to display a notification image indicating the return on the display screen 7a, as when the movable decorative member 14 rises from the starting position to the ending position.

[Example 2]
Next, referring to FIG. 54, the second performance example will be described. Note that the description of the same points as the first performance example will be omitted or simplified. The second performance example shows the flow (development) of the performance when a jackpot variable performance including a movable performance (second jackpot variable performance pattern) is executed in association with a variable game in a low-probability low-base state as a variable performance related to a V non-passing scheduled jackpot. That is, in a low-probability low-base state, a V non-passing scheduled jackpot (for example, the 7R second jackpot, the 7R fourth jackpot, or the 7R sixth jackpot) occurs, and a variable performance based on the second jackpot variable performance pattern is executed in a variable game related to the jackpot (specific variable game).

Of the "jackpot variable effects including movable effects" related to V non-passing scheduled jackpots, the effects up until the jackpot notification effect shown in Figure 54 (A) is executed are the same as those shown in Figures 52 (A) to (C) described in effect example 1.

As shown in FIG. 54(A), when the end position is reached and the specified tilt timing arrives (YES in S4707), the movable decorative member 14 at the end position (second state) operates in the second operating mode and tilts to the right (S4709). At this time, a jackpot notification effect (jackpot suggestion image) is displayed on the display screen 7a, and an effect image 510 (tilt effect) is displayed to notify that the jackpot is a V non-passing scheduled jackpot (S4711).

In this embodiment, the presentation image 510 corresponding to a scheduled V non-passing jackpot includes the word "Lucky!" This replaces the word "Super lucky!" in the presentation image 510 corresponding to the scheduled V non-passing jackpot in presentation example 1 above, and is intended to make the player aware of the occurrence of a scheduled V non-passing jackpot through the word "Lucky!" without the "Super" in "Super lucky!". Note that the presentation image 510 used to notify the player of a scheduled V non-passing jackpot may be of any type as long as it can make the player aware of the occurrence of a scheduled V non-passing jackpot, and there is no particular restriction on its form.

After the movable decorative element 14 tilts to the right at the end position in this way to execute the jackpot notification effect and tilting effect, when the opening period of the jackpot game related to the V non-passing scheduled jackpot begins (YES in S4713), the movable decorative element 14 operates in the third operating mode and returns to the inactive state (first state) (S4715). In this case, the condition for returning the movable decorative element 14, which is in the operating state (second state), to the inactive state (first state) is met based on the start of the jackpot game (opening period) (reception of the opening command). At this time, the movable decorative element 14 becomes inactive by the end of the opening period (during the opening period).

In addition, if a start gate (special game start gate) is provided for starting the jackpot game, and the jackpot game starts based on the game ball passing through the start gate after the jackpot pattern is stopped and displayed, the above-mentioned return condition may be established based on the game ball passing through the start gate.

After the movable decorative member 14 returns to its inoperative state, as shown in FIG. 54(C), the round performance (round game) is executed while the movable decorative member 14 is kept in its inoperative state, and even when the variable game (variable performance) is executed after the jackpot game, the movable decorative member 14 is kept in its inoperative state as long as a variable performance including a movable performance is not executed.

[Example 3]
Next, the performance example 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 55 and Fig. 56. Note that the description of the same points as in the performance examples 1 and 2 will be omitted or simplified. The performance example 3 shows the flow (development) of the performance when the opening performance (second opening performance pattern) including the movable performance is executed in response to the occurrence of a jackpot in a low probability low base state.

An opening performance including a movable performance is executed when a jackpot variation performance (first jackpot variation performance pattern) that does not include a movable performance is executed before the opening performance. In this embodiment, when a jackpot variation performance that does not include a movable performance is executed, whether the jackpot that triggers the execution is a "V-passing jackpot" or a "V non-passing jackpot" is not announced until the result of the V round (the fifth round in this example) of the jackpot game is determined. For this reason, a jackpot variation performance that does not include a movable performance is a "jackpot type non-announcement performance" in which the jackpot type cannot be determined through the reach performance, jackpot announcement performance, or the stopped display mode of the performance pattern 8 during the change performance.

In an opening performance based on the second opening performance pattern (opening performance with movable performance), when the start timing of the opening period arrives (YES in S4701), the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode and rises from the start position to the end position (S4703), as shown in Figures 55 (A) to (C). At this time, the opening performance is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a, and a notification image 500 indicating that the movable decorative member 14 is operating (that the state of the movable performance means is changing) is displayed (S4705). In the opening performance, the aforementioned opening image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a. Also, the display of the notification image 500 begins when the movable decorative member 14 begins operating in the first operating mode.

Next, as shown in Figure 55 (C), when the movable decorative element 14 reaches the end position and the specified tilt timing arrives (YES in S4707), as shown in Figure 55 (D), a tilt effect is executed in which the movable decorative element 14 operates in the second operating mode and tilts to the right (S4709). At this time, an effect image 510 (caption display) including text celebrating the jackpot (e.g., "Good job!") is displayed on the display screen 7a (S4711).

In this way, while the opening performance is being performed (opening period), the movable decorative member 14 rises from the start position to the end position, and then the movable decorative member 14 tilts to the right to perform the tilting performance. After that, the opening performance (opening period) ends and the game proceeds to a round of play, with the movable decorative member 14 kept in a state tilted to the right at the end position (operating state, second state). Accordingly, the round performance is performed (displayed) on the display screen 7a. During the round performance, the aforementioned round image is displayed on the display screen 7a.

After the transition to the round game (round performance), the state (second state) in which the movable decorative member 14 is tilted to the right at the end position is maintained at least until the V round (fifth round). If the round game (jackpot game) being played at that time is a V-passing scheduled jackpot, as shown in FIG. 56 (A), when the game ball that entered the V attacker (second big winning hole 35) passes through the specific area 39 (V passing) (S4413, S4415) while the round performance of the V round is being executed (displayed), a performance image 510 (caption display) including a character (e.g., "V") notifying the occurrence of V passing is displayed on the display screen 7a. At this time, an additional movable performance similar to the first additional movable performance described above is executed, and the movable decorative member 14 vibrates (sways) for a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) in a state in which it is tilted to the right at the end position. After this (after the V passage occurs), the movable decorative member 14 remains tilted to the right at the end position (operated state, second state), and thereafter, after the jackpot play, the game transitions to ST mode, and as long as ST mode is repeated with V-pass scheduled jackpots (V passages) in between (the consecutive wins continue), the movable decorative member 14 remains in the operating state.

On the other hand, if the round game (jackpot game) being played is due to a jackpot that is not scheduled to pass through the V, the possibility of the game ball passing through the V during the V round is extremely low, and the V round usually ends without passing through the V. In this case, when the V round ends without passing through the V, as shown in FIG. 56 (B), the movable decorative member 14 operates in the third operating mode and returns to the inoperative state (first state) (S4715). Here, the end of the V round related to the jackpot that is not scheduled to pass through the V becomes the condition (return condition) for returning the movable decorative member 14 to the inoperative state (YES in S4713). After this, as shown in FIG. 56 (B), the round performance (round game) is executed while the movable decorative member 14 is kept in the inoperative state, and even when the variable game (variable performance) after the jackpot game is executed, the movable decorative member 14 is kept in the inoperative state unless a variable performance including a movable performance is executed.

Here, in this performance example 3, the opening performance (see Figure 55) in which an opening image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a is an example of a "first display performance", the movement or tilting performance (see Figure 55) of the movable decorative member 14 from the start position to the end position based on the start of the opening period is an example of a "movable performance", the round performance (see Figure 56) in which a round image (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a is an example of a "second display performance", and the vibration (swing) of the movable decorative member 14 based on the passage of the V during the V round is an example of a "performance using a movable performance member in the second state".

[Effects of Example 1]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment described above, when a movable performance is executed in which the movable decorative member 14 (movable performance member) operates in a first operating mode together with a SP reach performance (earlier display performance, first display performance) during a variable performance (during variable play), the movable decorative member 14, which has been put into an operating state (second state) by that movable performance, remains in an operating state even after the SP reach performance ends, and while maintaining that state, a jackpot notification performance (later display performance, second display performance), an opening performance (later display performance, second display performance), a round performance (later display performance, second display performance) and an ST mode performance (later display performance, second display performance) can be executed (performance example 1).

In addition, during the opening period of a jackpot game, when a movable performance in which the movable decorative member 14 operates in a first operating mode is executed together with the opening performance (earlier display performance, first display performance), the movable decorative member 14 that has been put into an operating state (second state) by that movable performance remains in an operating state even after the opening performance ends, and the round performance (later display performance, second display performance) can be executed while maintaining that state (performance example 3).

As a result, the movable decorative member 14 is maintained in an operating state (second state) from the time the earlier display performance (first display performance) is executed until the later display performance (second display performance) is executed. This makes it possible to link the earlier display performance (first display performance), the movable performance, and the later display performance (second display performance), thereby enhancing the performance effect when these performances are executed.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to execute an effect in which the movable decorative member 14 in the end position (operating state, second state) is activated to tilt to the right (tilting effect in performance example 1), an effect in which the movable decorative member 14 in the state tilted to the right at the end position (second state) is vibrated (swinged) (first additional movable effect in performance example 1, additional movable effect in performance example 2), an effect in which the movable decorative member 14 in the state tilted to the right at the end position (second state) is tilted left and right (second additional movable effect in performance example 1), and an effect in which the movable decorative member 14 is operated continuously back and forth at the end position (third additional movable effect in performance example 1). Therefore, after the movable decorative member 14 is in the operating state (second state), another effect using the movable decorative member 14 can be executed in that state. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect of the performance.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, as shown in the performance example 1, in the variable game (specific variable game) executed in the low probability low base state (first game state), the SP reach performance (first display performance, first display performance) and the movable performance in which the movable decorative member 14 moves from the starting position to the ending position are executed. Then, in the opening period (second game state) of the jackpot following the end of the variable game (low probability low base state), the opening performance (later display performance, second display performance) and the first additional movable performance are executed, and in the round game (second game state) following the end of the opening period, the round performance (later display performance, second display performance) and the second additional movable performance are executed from the first round to the final round, and in the high probability high base state (second game state) that continues through the ending period after the end of the final round, the ST mode performance (later display performance, second display performance) and the third additional movable performance are executed. In this case, the movable decorative member 14 is maintained in an operating state (second state) across two game states: the game state (first game state) in which the earlier display performance (first display performance) is executed, and the game state (second game state) in which the later display performance (second display performance) is executed. This makes it possible to enhance the performance effect between game states.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, after the movable decorative member 14 has entered an activated state (second state) (YES in S4707, S4709), the player can operate the restore command button to input a restore command (YES in S4719) before a restore condition (ending condition) that may be established as the game progresses is established (NO in S4713, YES in S4717), thereby allowing the player to willfully return the movable decorative member 14 from an activated state to a non-activated state (S4715). This makes it possible to improve the functionality of a gaming machine equipped with a movable decorative member 14.

In the first embodiment, the movable performance member (movable performance means) used in the movable performance was the movable decorative member 14 provided on the left side of the center decorative body 10, but the form of the movable performance member is not limited to that of the first embodiment. For example, a movable body for performance that is usually located approximately at the center of the upper part of the center decorative body 10 (standby position) and descends (falls) to the front side (operating position) of the display screen 7a when a predetermined operating condition is met, or a movable body for performance that is usually located approximately at the center of the lower part of the center decorative body 10 (standby position) and rises to the front side (operating position) of the display screen 7a when a predetermined operating condition is met, may be used as the movable performance member. In addition, a movable body for performance (frame movable role item, frame gimmick) that is not provided on the game board 2 (board surface) such as the center decorative body 10 but is provided on the frame body (for example, the upper part of the frame body) that constitutes the outer hull of the pachinko game machine 1 (game machine) may be used as the movable performance member. The movable performance member as a frame gimmick can be configured, for example, so that the movable body is normally stored in the storage section (first state), and when a certain operating condition is met, the movable body stored in the storage section is exposed to the outside (second state). This also makes it possible to achieve the same effects as in Example 1.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the notification image 500 is displayed when the movable decorative member 14 starts to operate in the first operating mode (YES in S4701, S4705), but it is also possible to notify the player that the movable decorative member 14 will operate before that operation starts. For example, a timer display showing the remaining time until the operation starts in countdown format can be displayed on the image display device 7 (display screen 7a) or other display device a predetermined time before the movable decorative member 14 starts to operate (e.g. 5 seconds before), as a notification that the state of the movable decorative member 14 will change. In this way, it is possible to draw the player's attention to the movable presentation and increase interest even before the movable decorative member 14 starts to operate.

In the first embodiment, the movable performance that changes the movable performance member 14 from the inoperative state (first state) to the operative state (second state) is performed by the movable decorative member 14 moving from the starting position (standby position) to the end position (operative position) and then tilting or vibrating (swaying) at the end position, but the manner of the movable performance is not limited to this. For example, the movable body constituting the movable performance member (movable performance means) does not change (move) in position, but the appearance (shape) of the movable body may change, the movable body may rotate in a fixed position, or some other change (difference) may occur between the inoperative state (first state) and the operative state (second state). In addition, it is also possible to configure the movable performance member (movable performance means) with multiple movable bodies, each of which is usually separated at its respective standby position (inoperative state, first state), and each of which is activated and combined (integrated) to complete a single motif (sculpture) (operative state, second state).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the movable decorative member 14 operates in the first operating mode based on the establishment of the first operating condition, and then operates in the second operating mode based on the establishment of the second operating condition. However, the operating condition that triggers the first operating mode and the operating condition that triggers the second operating mode may not be separated, and the movable decorative member 14 may operate in the first operating mode and the second operating mode in that order based on the establishment of one operating condition, or the first operating mode and the second operating mode may be a series (one) operating mode. In addition, without performing the tilting performance as in the first embodiment, for example, the movable performance (excluding the additional movable performance) may be configured in the first operating mode in which the movable decorative member 14 operates from the start position to the end position. In short, the movable performance member can take a non-operated state (non-operated state, first state) and an operated state (operated state, second state), and as long as the performance effect is achieved by being in the operated state (second state), the mode (execution mode) of the movable performance is not particularly important.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Below, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified. In addition, in the following description, different reference numerals, numbers of control steps, etc. from the first embodiment will be used for configurations that are different from (replace) the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals, numbers of control steps, etc. as the first embodiment will be used for configurations that are common to the first embodiment.

This embodiment differs from the previously described embodiment 1 mainly in the configuration of the movable decorative members (movable performance members, movable performance means), the content of the movable performance-related processing executed by the performance control microcomputer 91 (performance control means), and the manner in which the movable performance is performed.

Specifically, in the above-mentioned Example 1, the movable performance member used for the movable performance was a movable decorative member 14 made of one movable body with a flag motif. In contrast, in this example, instead of the movable decorative member 14, a movable decorative member 141 made of two movable bodies, an upper movable body 141A and a lower movable body 141B, is provided, as shown in Figures 57 and 58.

The movable decorative member 141 is configured to be operable between a state in which the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are vertically separated (separated) (also called the "separated state") as shown in FIG. 57, and a state in which the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are close to each other (also called the "close state") as shown in FIG. 58, and is normally in the separated state.

The separated state is an example of a "first state" that is an inoperative state before the movable decorative member 141 is activated, and the close state is an example of a "second state" that is an activated state after the movable decorative member 141 is activated.

When the movable decorative member 141 is in the separated state (first state), the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are each in a standby position (starting position). The standby position of the upper movable body 141A is behind (back side) the decorative member 13, and the standby position of the lower movable body 141B is below the stage 11 and behind (back side) the fixed winning device 19 (see Figure 57).

When the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are in their respective standby positions, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are not exposed to the outside and are not visible (or difficult to see) from the player facing the display screen 7a. Also, at this time, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are not present in front of the display screen 7a (display area) which is visible from the player's side, and the visibility of the display screen 7a is not obstructed by the movable decorative member 141 (see Figure 57).

When a certain operating condition is met, the movable decorative member 141 is activated, and the upper movable body 141A descends on the front side of the display screen 7a while the lower movable body 141B rises on the front side of the display screen 7a until they approach each other to a position where they almost touch, entering an approaching state (second state). When the movable decorative member 141 is in an approaching state, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are each in an operating position (end position). The operating positions of the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are each near the center of the display screen 7a, where the lower end (lower edge) of the upper movable body 141A and the upper end (upper edge) of the lower movable body 141B are in a position where they almost touch each other (see Figure 58).

As shown in Figure 58, when the movable decorative member 141 approaches, the two movable bodies 141A, 141B become one and form a star-motif shape (star-role object). At this time, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are located approximately in front of the center of the display screen 7a, and the portion of the display screen 7a facing the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B (approximately the center) is covered by the two movable bodies 141A, 141B (movable decorative members 141). As a result, the portion of the display screen 7a (display area) covered by the movable decorative member 141 becomes invisible (or difficult to see) to the player facing the display screen 7a.

In this embodiment, when the movable decorative member 141 is in the separated state (first state), a smaller portion of the display screen 7a is covered by the movable decorative member 141 compared to when it is in the close state (second state), and when the movable decorative member 141 is in the close state (second state), a larger portion of the display screen 7a is covered by the movable decorative member 141 compared to when it is in the separated state (first state).

The upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each have an LED (light-emitting component) built in (not shown), and are configured to emit light when the movable decorative component 141 approaches. The illumination of the LED (light effect) is performed based on a control signal (lamp data) from the sub-control board 90 (S4202).

In this embodiment, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B have exteriors made of translucent resin with translucency, like an LED lighting cover, and the light effect executed when the movable decorative member 141 is in the approaching state makes it possible for the movable decorative member 141 to appear to glow. In this way, the light effect executed when the movable decorative member 141 is in the approaching state is an example of "an effect using a movable effect member in the second state."

When the movable decorative member 141 (upper movable body 141A and lower movable body 141B) are in a close state (second state), if a specific return condition (termination condition) is met, the upper movable body 141A rises and the lower movable body 141B descends, moving to their respective standby positions. This causes the movable decorative member 141 to return (restore) to the separated state (first state), and the movable performance by the movable decorative member 141 comes to an end.

The operation of the movable decorative member 141 is achieved by a drive mechanism (not shown) that includes a motor, gears, link mechanism, etc. for moving the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B up and down. Since the configuration of the drive mechanism itself is not related to the gist of the present invention, a detailed description of the drive mechanism is omitted.

[Movement effect-related processing in the second embodiment]
Next, the movable performance related process (S5000) of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 59. The movable performance related process (S5000) of this embodiment replaces the movable performance related process (S4305) of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 59, in the movable performance-related process (S5000), first, it is determined whether or not the operating condition of the movable decorative member 141, which is the execution condition (start condition) of the movable performance, is satisfied (S5001). Here, the movable performance in this embodiment is executed during the variable performance when the variable performance is executed based on a variable performance pattern including both a reach performance and a movable performance. As explained in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the variable performance pattern including both a reach performance and a movable performance includes a pattern corresponding to the case where the result of the special pattern hit/miss judgment is a jackpot (second jackpot variable performance pattern) and a pattern corresponding to the case where the result is a miss (third miss variable performance pattern) (see FIG. 51).

In this embodiment, the execution timing of the movable presentation, i.e., the timing when the movable decorative member 141 starts to operate, can be set appropriately within the variable presentation pattern (included in the variable presentation pattern). For example, the activation start timing of the movable decorative member 141 (execution timing of the movable presentation) can be the start of an SP reach presentation or the start of a jackpot notification presentation that suggests that the result of the variable presentation (variable play) is a jackpot. In S5001, when such activation start timing of the movable decorative member 141 arrives, it is determined that the activation condition of the movable decorative member 141 has been met (YES in S5001).

The operating conditions of the movable decorative member 141 can include the arrival of the above-mentioned activation start timing (timing for executing the movable performance) as well as the operation of the performance button 63 (first performance button 63a or second performance button 63b) in a predetermined operation manner (single press, long press, repeated press, etc.). In this case, for example, if the above-mentioned activation start timing (for example, the win/lose branching timing described below) arrives during a variable performance and the first performance button 63a is operated in a single press manner within the operation effective period in which the operation of the performance button (detected by the performance button detection switch) is enabled, it is determined that the operating conditions of the movable decorative member 141 are met (YES in S5001).

Here, the effective operation period of the effect button ends when the effect button detection switch detects that the effect button has been operated in a predetermined operation manner within that period, or when the period (time) has elapsed without the effect button detection switch detecting that the effect button has been operated in a predetermined operation manner. The effective operation period is also called the "input period."

If the first performance button 63a is not operated within the valid operation period, i.e., if the valid operation period has elapsed without the first performance button 63a being operated, the operating conditions of the movable decorative member 141 may not be met (NO in S5001), or the operating conditions of the movable decorative member 141 may be met based on the passage of the valid operation period (YES in S5001).

If it is determined in S5001 that the operating conditions for the movable decorative member 141 are met (YES in S5001), drive data (also called "movable performance drive data") for moving the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B from the standby position to their respective operating positions is set in the sub-output buffer (S5003). In addition, lamp data (also called "lighting data") for illuminating (turning on) the LEDs built into the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B is set in the sub-output buffer (S5004). In addition, an effect performance command for performing an effect performance on the display screen 7a when the movable decorative member 141 is in an approaching state is set in the sub-output buffer (S5005).

When the movable performance drive data set in S5003 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B move from their standby positions to their operating positions according to the movable performance drive data, and the movable decorative member 141 moves toward the approaching state (see FIG. 58). When the movable decorative member 141 moves toward the approaching state and the lighting data set in S5004 is output by the lamp data output process (S4202), the LEDs built into the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B emit light (light up). Furthermore, when the effect performance command set in S5005 is sent to the image control board 100 by the command sending process (S4006), the image control microcomputer 101 reads image data corresponding to the effect performance command from the ROM of the image control board 100, and displays the effect image 630 (performance effect image) based on the image data on the display screen 7a (see FIG. 61 (C2)).

Next, in S5007, it is determined whether the return condition (the end condition of the movable performance) for returning the movable decorative member 141, which is in a close state, to a separated state has been met (S5007). In this embodiment, when the timing for the operation of the movable decorative member 141 to end has arrived, it is determined that the return condition has been met (YES in S5007).

The timing at which the movable decorative member 141 ends its operation (the timing at which the movable performance ends) can be set appropriately within the variable performance pattern (included in the variable performance pattern), just like the timing at which the movable decorative member 141 starts its operation. For example, the timing at which the movable decorative member 141 ends its operation can be when a specified time has elapsed since the movable decorative member 141 entered an approaching state, or when the performance scene of the variable performance switches to a specific performance scene after the movable decorative member 141 enters an approaching state (when a specific performance starts). Also, as mentioned above, if the operating conditions of the movable decorative member 141 include the operation of the performance button 63, the timing at which the movable decorative member 141 ends its operation can be when a specified time longer than the effective operation period has elapsed since the start of the effective operation period (a specified time after the effective operation period has ended).

If it is determined in S5007 that the return condition is met (YES in S5007), drive data (also called "return drive data") for moving the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B from the operating position to their respective standby positions is set in the sub-output buffer (S5009), and lamp data (also called "light-off data") for terminating the emission (light effect) of the LEDs built into the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B is set in the sub-output buffer (S5011), and this process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the return condition is not met (NO in S5007), this process ends without carrying out the processes of S5009 and S5011.

When the return drive data set in S5009 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B move from their operating positions to their standby positions in accordance with the return drive data, and the movable decorative member 141 enters a separated state (see FIG. 57). In addition, when the close state of the movable decorative member 141 is released and the light-off data set in S5011 is output by the lamp data output process (S4202), the LEDs built into the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are turned off.

[Example of performance of Example 2]
Next, referring to Figures 60 and 61, a description will be given of an example of the performance of this embodiment involving the above-mentioned movable performance-related processing (S5000). Note that the steps (S) in the following description of this example of the performance correspond to the steps of the above-mentioned movable performance-related processing (S5000).

This presentation example shows a case where an SP reach presentation is executed during a variable presentation, and at the win/loss branching timing when it becomes clear after the SP reach presentation whether the result of the variable presentation is a jackpot or a miss (win/lose), a movable presentation is executed based on the operation of the first presentation button 63a (jackpot pattern), and a case where a movable presentation is not executed (miss pattern). The former is based on a jackpot variable presentation pattern that includes a movable presentation and a reach presentation, and the latter is based on a miss variable presentation pattern that includes a reach presentation but does not include a movable presentation, and the presentation content is the same for both variable presentation patterns up until the win/lose branching timing (the conclusion of the SP reach presentation).

Figure 60 (A) shows the SP reach performance being executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a during the variable performance. As the SP reach performance progresses and the winning/losing branching timing arrives, as shown in Figure 60 (B), an operation prompting image 610 is displayed on the display screen 7a to prompt the player to operate the first performance button 63a (in this example, press it once). The operation prompting image 610 can include, for example, a button image that imitates the appearance of the first performance button 63a (see Figure 1) and a text image that indicates the operation mode of the first performance button 63a (in this example, the text "Press!" corresponding to "press once").

The operation prompting image 610 is displayed on the display screen 7a while the operation valid period of the effect button is occurring. The operation valid period in this effect example begins with the arrival of the winning/losing branching timing during the SP reach effect, and ends when a predetermined time (e.g., 3 seconds) has passed since then. The length of the operation valid period can be determined appropriately depending on the effect pattern. Note that the operation prompting image 610 may also include an image that notifies the player that they are in the operation valid period (e.g., a level gauge image showing the remaining time until the end of the operation valid period).

If the currently executing variable performance (the variable performance) is based on a miss variable performance pattern, when the first performance button 63a is operated within the effective operation period at the winning/losing branching timing, or the effective operation period elapses without being operated, a disappearance performance is executed in which a disappearance image 620 is displayed on the display screen 7a, as shown in FIG. 61 (C1), and no movable performance is executed. In other words, a disappearance performance is executed as an operation-responsive performance.

The disappearance image 620 is an image that shows the operation prompt image 610 that had been displayed until then disappearing. The disappearance effect is intended to make the player realize that this opportunity to operate the effect button did not bring about any special effect (game effect).

After the disappearance effect is executed, as shown in FIG. 61 (D1), a miss notification effect is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a to notify that the result of the variable effect (reach effect) is a miss. In the miss notification effect, an image suggesting a miss (also called a "miss suggestion image") is displayed on the display screen 7a, such as a scene in which an ally character is defeated in a battle with an enemy character, or a scene in which a character fails to clear (achieve) a mission. In addition, when the miss notification effect is executed, the effect pattern 8 displayed in a reduced size on the bottom right of the display screen 7a is displayed temporarily stopped in a miss state. After this, the effect pattern 8 returns to its normal size (is enlarged) and is definitely stopped in a miss state (not shown).

In contrast, if the currently executing variable performance (the variable performance) is based on a jackpot variable performance pattern, when the first performance button 63a is operated within the effective operation period at the time of the win/lose branch, or the effective operation period has elapsed without being operated, the operation condition for activating the movable decorative member 141 (upper movable body 141A and lower movable body 141B) in a separated state to bring them into a close state is established (YES in S5001). In response to this, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each move from the standby position to the operating position (S5003), and the movable decorative member 141 is in a close state as shown in FIG. 61 (C2). In other words, a movable performance is executed as an operation-responsive performance. The close state of the movable decorative member 141 is maintained until the return condition described below is established.

In addition, as the movable decorative member 141 approaches, a light effect is executed, causing the LEDs built into the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B to emit light (S5004), and an effect effect is executed, causing the effect image 630 to be displayed on the display screen 7a (S5005). In other words, the light effect and effect effect associated with the movement effect are also executed as operation-responsive effects.

As shown in FIG. 61 (C2), the effect effect of this embodiment (present performance example) is to display an effect image 630 showing many small shining stars, surrounding the movable decorative member 141 in front of the display screen 7a in an approaching state (second state). Note that the form of the effect effect and effect image 630 is not limited to this, and various forms are possible, such as displaying an image that colors the periphery of the movable decorative member 141 as an effect image, displaying an image (special background image) in which the background of the display screen 7a is a special background exclusively for the movable performance as an effect image, or generating a specified sound effect.

After the execution of the movable performance etc. at the winning/losing branching timing, when the timing arrives for the execution (start) of the jackpot notification performance that notifies the player that the result of the variable performance (reach performance) is a jackpot, the return condition for activating the movable decorative member 141 in the close state and returning it to the separated state is met (YES in S5007). In response to this, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each move from the operating position to the standby position (S5009), and the movable decorative member 141 becomes separated as shown in FIG. 61 (D2). At this time, the jackpot notification performance is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a. In other words, the movable decorative member 141 becomes separated based on the execution (start) of the jackpot notification performance. For this reason, the close state of the movable decorative member 141 is maintained until the jackpot notification performance is executed (started). Additionally, as the movable decorative member 141 enters a separated state, the LEDs built into the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B turn off (S5011).

The jackpot notification effect is executed following the previous effect effect (see FIG. 61 (C2)). In the jackpot notification effect, a jackpot suggestion image is displayed on the display screen 7a. Also, when the jackpot notification effect is executed, the effect pattern 8 displayed in a reduced size at the bottom right of the display screen 7a is displayed temporarily stopped in a miss mode. Then, when the execution period of the jackpot notification effect has elapsed, the effect pattern 8 returns to its normal size (is enlarged) and is definitely stopped in a jackpot mode (not shown).

Here, the execution period (execution time) of the movable performance according to this example can be appropriately set within the variable performance pattern, and is set, for example, as follows. In this example, as described above, in the jackpot variable performance pattern, when the first performance button 63a is operated within the operation effective period at the timing of the winning/losing branch, or when the operation effective period has elapsed without being operated, the movable decorative member 141 in the separated state is activated and becomes close to the starting state, and then, based on the execution (start) of the jackpot notification performance, the movable decorative member 141 in the close to the starting state is activated and becomes separated to the starting state. Of these, the period from the start of the operation of the movable decorative member 141 in the separated state to the return to the separated state through the close to the starting state is set as the execution period of the movable performance. And, the timing at which the first performance button 63a is operated within the operation effective period depends on the player, and it may be operated almost simultaneously with the start of the operation effective period, may be operated just before the end of the operation effective period, or may not be operated until the end of the operation effective period. For this reason, the time from when the movable decorative member 141 starts to operate based on the operation of the first performance button 63a during the effective operation period or the passage of the effective operation period until it returns to a separated state through a close state, i.e., the execution period of the movable performance, can vary depending on the operation status of the first performance button 63a (operation timing, presence or absence of operation, etc.). Based on this, the execution period of the movable performance is set so that the time required for the movable decorative member 141 to change from a separated state to a close state and the time required for the movable decorative member 141 to change from a close state to a separated state are both shorter than the time that the movable decorative member 141 is maintained in the close state.

Specifically, for example, in this example, the time from the start of the effective operation period until the movable decorative member 141 operates, passes through a close state, and returns to a separated state (effective operation period + execution period of the movable performance) is 8 seconds, of which 3 seconds is the effective operation period. In this case, the time from when the movable decorative member 141 starts to operate based on the operation of the first performance button 63a during the effective operation period or the passage of the effective operation period until it returns to a separated state through a close state (i.e., the execution period of the movable performance) is 5 seconds at the shortest (if no operation is performed) and just under 8 seconds at the longest (if the operation is performed almost simultaneously with the start of the effective operation period) (5 seconds or more and less than 8 seconds). And, by setting the time required for the movable decorative member 141 to change from a separated state to a close state and the time required for the close state to change (return) to a separated state to a short time of about 0.5 to 1.0 seconds, respectively, it is possible to ensure that the time for maintaining the movable decorative member 141 in a close state is at least 3 seconds.

By setting the execution period of the movable performance in the above manner, it is possible to optimize the operation (state change) of the movable decorative member 141 and the maintenance of the close proximity state, thereby enabling the full effect of the movable performance to be obtained.

In this embodiment (performance example), when the movable decorative member 141 changes (returns) from the close state to the separated state at the end of the movable performance, the timing of the execution (start) of the jackpot notification performance (the timing of the establishment of the return condition) is determined so that the jackpot notification performance starts at approximately the same time that the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B start moving (return operation) from their operating positions to their standby positions. In other words, the jackpot notification performance is executed while the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are moving (during the return operation) from their operating positions to their standby positions. This makes it possible to make the jackpot notification performance appear on the display screen 7a that was covered by the movable decorative member 141, enhancing the visual effect of the performance.

The execution period of the jackpot notification effect can be set appropriately within the variable performance pattern. In this performance example, the execution period of the jackpot notification effect only needs to be longer than the time (return time) required for the movable decorative member 141 to change from the close state to the separated state, and can be either shorter or longer than the execution period of the movable performance. In other words, the execution period of the jackpot notification effect can be set so that the jackpot notification effect ends after the change of the movable decorative member 141 from the close state to the separated state is completed (after returning to the separated state). In this way, the jackpot notification effect is reliably executed (displayed) (continued) on the display screen 7a when the movable decorative member 141 is in the separated state, and good visibility of the jackpot notification effect (display screen 7a) can be ensured and the effect can be shown to the player.

The jackpot notification effect may be started when the movable decorative member 141 is separated (the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are returned to the standby position), i.e., when the period during which the movable effect is performed has elapsed (the movable effect has ended). This also allows the jackpot notification effect to be executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a when the movable decorative member 141 is separated.

Here, the effect image 630 displayed in the effect effect of this embodiment (effect example) is an example of a "predetermined image", and the effect effect is an example of a "first display effect" in which the effect image 630 (predetermined image) is displayed on the display screen 7a. Also, the jackpot suggestive image displayed in the jackpot notification effect is an example of a "predetermined image" or "specific image", and the jackpot notification effect is an example of a "second display effect" in which the jackpot suggestive image (predetermined image, specific image) is displayed on the display screen 7a.

[Effects of Example 2]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, when the movable decorative member 141 (movable performance member) is in a separated state (first state), the portion of the display screen 7a covered by the movable decorative member 141 (upper movable body 141A and lower movable body 141B) is smaller than when it is in a close state (second state). That is, when the movable decorative member 141 is in a close state, the portion of the display screen 7a covered by the movable decorative member 141 (upper movable body 141A and lower movable body 141B) is larger than when it is in a separated state (see Figures 57 and 58). Then, when the movable performance is executed and the movable decorative member 141 is in a close state, and after the effect performance (first display performance, first display performance) is executed in that state, when the big win notification performance (later display performance, second display performance) is executed, the movable decorative member 141 transitions from the close state to the separated state based on the execution (start) of the big win notification performance.

For this reason, when the jackpot notification performance is executed through the movable performance and the effect performance, the movable decorative member 141 is in a close state before the jackpot notification performance is executed, and the portion of the display screen 7a covered by the movable decorative member 141 (upper movable body 141A and lower movable body 141B) becomes relatively large, and the effect performance is executed in this state, whereas when the jackpot notification performance is executed, the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state, and the portion of the display screen 7a covered by the movable decorative member 141 (upper movable body 141A and lower movable body 141B) becomes relatively small. This makes it possible to change the appearance of the performance when the jackpot notification performance is executed through the movable performance and the effect performance, thereby enhancing the performance effect.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the display effect (the previous display effect, the first display effect) that is executed when the movable decorative member 141 is in an approaching state due to the execution of the moving effect is an effect effect that displays an effect image 630 on the display screen 7a (see FIG. 61 (C2)). Therefore, the combination of the movable decorative member 141 in an approaching state and the effect image 630 that is displayed on the display screen 7a when the movable decorative member 141 is in an approaching state makes it possible to give the player a visual impact. This makes it possible to enhance the presentation effect when the moving effect is executed.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the display effect (later display effect, second display effect) executed after the moving effect and effect effect (earlier display effect, first display effect) is a jackpot notification effect that displays a jackpot suggestion image (specific image) on the display screen 7a, suggesting that the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination is a jackpot (specific result) (see FIG. 61 (D2)). Therefore, it is possible to increase the player's anticipation for a jackpot game (special game) from the execution of the moving effect and effect effect to the execution of the jackpot notification effect. This makes it possible to further enhance the presentation effect when the jackpot notification effect is executed after the moving effect and effect effect.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, when a jackpot notification performance is executed through a movable performance and an effect performance, the jackpot notification performance ends after the movable decorative member 141 is separated. Therefore, it is possible to clearly see the jackpot suggestion image displayed on the display screen 7a by executing the jackpot notification performance. This makes it possible to make the jackpot notification performance more effective.

In Example 2, a movable decorative member 141 having two movable bodies 141A, 141B that move up and down is shown as an example of a movable performance member, but it may also have a movable body that operates in the left-right or diagonal direction. Also, it may have one movable body as in Example 1 above, or it may have three or more movable bodies. In other words, the movable performance member in Example 2 can be operated between a non-operated state (first state) and an operated state (second state), and as long as it is located in front of the display screen (can move in front of the display screen) at least when in the operated state (second state), its form and the manner of the movable performance are not particularly important.

In the second embodiment, the display effect (first display effect) executed when the movable decorative member 141 is in the approaching state (the movable performance member is in the second state) is the effect effect, and the display effect (second display effect) executed when the movable decorative member 141 is then in the separated state (the movable performance member is in the first state) is the big win notification effect, and both effects are executed during one variable performance (during variable play). In contrast, the movable performance and the first display effect may be executed during the variable performance (during variable play) and the subsequent second display effect may be executed during the opening period or round play, or the movable performance and the first display effect may be executed during the ending period and the subsequent second display effect may be executed in a certain variable play state, and the movable performance and the first display effect and the second display effect may be executed consecutively in different play states (two or more consecutive play states). Also, for example, among multiple consecutive (e.g., two) variable performances (variable play), the moving performance and the first display performance may be executed during the first variable performance, and the second display performance may be executed when the next variable performance following the first variable performance starts.

In addition, the display effects that are executed in response to the state change of the movable decorative member 141 (movable performance member) are not limited to effect effects and jackpot notification effects. For example, various effects can be set as the first or second display effects based on the type of effect, execution mode, and execution order (before and after) that accompanies the game progress, such as a preview effect (suggestion effect) that gives advance hints (suggestions of jackpot expectation, performance content, etc.) related to the variable performance (variable play), an SPSP reach effect (development effect) that develops from an SP reach effect, a pseudo consecutive effect in which the performance pattern is temporarily stopped (temporarily stopped) and then displayed again, a special stop effect in which at least one of the three performance patterns is stopped and displayed as a special pattern, and a promotion effect during a jackpot game.

In the second embodiment, the moving effect is executed when the first effect button 63a (operation means) is operated within the effective operation period or when the effective operation period has elapsed without being operated. However, the moving effect may be executed, for example, based on the arrival of a predetermined execution timing, regardless of the operation of the effect button or the effective operation period. Also, the moving effect may be provided with an effect pattern in which the moving effect is executed multiple times during one variable effect (during one variable play).

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Below, differences from the first and second embodiments will be mainly described, and descriptions of common parts to the first and second embodiments will be omitted or simplified. In addition, in the following description, different reference numerals, numbers of control steps, etc. from the first and second embodiments will be used for configurations that are different from (replace) the first and second embodiments, and the same reference numerals, numbers of control steps, etc. as the first and second embodiments will be used for common configurations.

Compared to the above-mentioned Examples 1 and 2, this Example differs mainly in the content of the movable presentation-related processing executed by the presentation control microcomputer 91 (presentation control means). On the other hand, the configuration of the movable decorative member (movable presentation member, movable presentation means) and the manner of the movable presentation in this Example are the same as those in the above-mentioned Example 2 (see Figures 57, 58, etc.). In this Example, the movable presentation can be executed twice during a specified play period, including during the execution of the variable presentation (variable play).

Specifically, when a variable performance (jackpot variable performance including movable performance) is executed based on a jackpot variable performance pattern including both reach performance and movable performance, the movable performance is executed at a predetermined time during the variable performance (during specific variable play), and the movable performance is executed in the jackpot opening period following the end of the variable performance. In other words, the movable performance is executed twice in the play period from the start of the jackpot variable performance (during the jackpot variable performance) to the end of the opening period. Note that when a variable performance (miss variable performance including movable performance) is executed based on a miss variable performance pattern including both reach performance and movable performance, the movable performance is executed at a predetermined time during the variable performance.

[Movable performance related processing in the third embodiment]
Next, the movable performance related process (S6000) of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 62. The movable performance related process (S6000) of this embodiment replaces the movable performance related process (S4305) of the first embodiment and the movable performance related process (S5000) of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 62, in the movable performance related process (S6000), first, it is determined whether or not the first execution condition, which is the execution condition (start condition) of the first movable performance in the above-mentioned game period (jackpot variable performance to opening period), is satisfied (S6001). For example, when a "jackpot variable performance including a movable performance" or a "miss variable performance including a movable performance" is executed, the first movable performance is executed at a predetermined time during the variable performance. In this case, the execution (start) timing of the first movable performance (a predetermined time during the variable performance), that is, the first start timing of the operation of the movable decorative member 141, can be appropriately set in the variable performance pattern (included in the variable performance pattern). For example, the execution timing of the first movable performance can be when the SP reach performance starts, when the performance scene (performance content) transitions (develops) from the SP reach performance to a predetermined development performance, when a jackpot notification performance that suggests that the result of the variable performance (variable play) is a jackpot, etc. is executed (started). In S6001, when the timing for executing such a first moving effect arrives, it is determined that the first execution condition is met (YES in S6001).

The advanced effect is an effect that further heightens (stirs up) the player's expectations for a jackpot, for example in an SP reach effect (variable effect with SP reach), and is an effect with a higher expectation of a jackpot (high expectation effect) than an SP reach effect. In other words, it is an advanced version of the SP reach effect.

The first execution condition may include, in addition to the arrival of the execution timing, the operation of the effect button 63 (the first effect button 63a or the second effect button 63b) in a predetermined operation manner. In this case, for example, when the timing (also called "development timing") arrives at which the effect scene during the variable effect transitions (develops) from the SP reach effect to the development effect, and the first effect button 63a is operated in a manner of being pressed once within the operation effective period of the effect button that occurs when the timing arrives, the first execution condition is determined to be established (YES in S6001). Note that if the first effect button 63a is not operated within the operation effective period, that is, if the operation effective period has elapsed without the first effect button 63a being operated, the first execution condition may not be established (NO in S6001), or the first execution condition may be established based on the passage of the operation effective period (YES in S6001).

Furthermore, the first execution condition can include the arrival of the execution timing, as well as the movable decorative member 141 being in a separated state. In this case, for example, if the timing for the SP reach performance to develop into a development performance arrives during a variable performance, and the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state when that timing arrives, it is determined that the first execution condition is met (YES in S6001). If a movable performance is executed (started) when the movable decorative member 141 is not in a separated state, there is a risk that the amount of movement (operation range) and position of the movable bodies 141A and 141B that constitute the movable decorative member 141 will be disturbed, making it impossible to perform the movable performance normally, or causing problems such as malfunction or damage to the movable decorative member 141. As mentioned above, if the operation of the performance button is included in the first execution condition, the first execution condition is determined to be met (YES in S6001) when the execution timing (development timing) arrives, the movable decorative member 141 is in a detached state when the timing arrives, and the performance button 63 is operated in a specified operating manner within the effective operation period that occurs when the timing arrives.

Whether the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state can be determined, for example, by providing a sensor (standby position detection means) capable of detecting that the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are in their respective standby positions, and based on a detection signal from the sensor. If the detection signal is ON, it is determined that the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state (the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are in their standby positions), and if it is OFF, it is determined that the movable decorative member 141 is not in a separated state (standby position). Note that, in the above-mentioned Example 2 as well, the operating conditions (S5001) for the movable decorative member 141 may include the fact that the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state.

If it is determined in S6001 that the first execution condition is met (YES in S6001), the movable performance drive data is set in the sub-output buffer (S6003). When the set movable performance drive data is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each move from the standby position to the operating position in accordance with the movable performance drive data, and the movable decorative member 141 enters a close state (see Figure 58).

In this embodiment, lighting data and effect commands may be set in the sub-output buffer in the same manner as in the second embodiment. In this way, it becomes possible to execute light effects and effect effects as the movable decorative member 141 approaches due to the execution of the movable effect.

Next, in 6005, it is determined whether or not the return condition (the end condition of the moving performance) for returning the movable decorative member 141, which is in a close state, to a separated state has been met (S6005). In this embodiment, when the end timing of the moving performance (the end timing of the operation of the movable decorative member 141) arrives, it is determined that the return condition has been met (YES in S6005).

Here, the timing for the end of the moving performance can be set appropriately within the performance pattern (included in the performance pattern), just like the timing for executing (starting) the moving performance. For example, if a second moving performance is executed after the first moving performance, the timing for the end of the first moving performance can be when a specified time has elapsed since the moving performance was executed (the movable decorative member 141 entered a close state) (when the execution time of the moving performance has elapsed), or when the performance scene of the display performance being executed switches to a specific performance scene (when a specific performance starts), etc.

The timing for the end of the first moving performance is a specified time (also called the "specified time between moving performances") between the execution of the first moving performance (the previous moving performance) (when the movable decorative member 141 is in a close state) and the execution of the second moving performance (the next moving performance). In this case, the specified time (specified time between moving performances) is determined by taking into consideration the time required for the movable decorative member 141, which has been in a close state by the first moving performance (the previous moving performance), to be reliably in a separated state before the execution of the second moving performance (the next moving performance), in other words, the time (return time) required for the movable decorative member 141 to change from a close state to a separated state.

The timing of the end of the second moving performance, or the timing of the end of the first moving performance when the second moving performance is not executed (for example, in the case of a miss-changing performance including a moving performance), can be, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the moving performance was executed (the movable decorative member 141 has entered an approaching state) (when the execution time of the moving performance has elapsed), or when the performance scene of the display performance being executed switches to a specific performance scene after the moving performance is executed (the movable decorative member 141 has entered an approaching state) (when a specific performance starts), etc.

In addition, if the conditions for executing the movable effect include the operation of the effect button 63, the end timing of the movable effect can be when a predetermined time longer than the effective operation period of the effect button has elapsed from the start of the effective operation period of the effect button (a predetermined time after the effective operation period has ended).

In addition, if the first moving performance (the previous moving performance) is executed based on the operation of the performance button 63, and then the second moving performance (the next moving performance) is executed, the time when a predetermined time longer than the effective operation period of the performance button has elapsed from the start of the effective operation period of the performance button (a predetermined time after the effective operation period has ended) can be set as the predetermined time between the aforementioned moving performances, and this can be set as the end timing of the moving performance. In this way, regardless of the operation status of the performance button 63 during the effective operation period (operation timing, whether or not it is operated, etc.), it is possible to reliably keep the movable decorative member 141 in a separated state before the second moving performance is executed (before it starts).

The execution period of the moving effect in this embodiment can also be set as described in the above-mentioned embodiment 2 (effect example).

If it is determined in S6005 that the return condition is met (YES in S6005), the return drive data is set in the sub output buffer (S6007) and this process ends. When the return drive data set in S6007 is output by the drive data output process (S4203), the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B move (return) from their operating positions to their standby positions in accordance with the return drive data. On the other hand, if it is determined in S6005 that the return condition is not met (NO in S6005), this process ends without performing the process of S6007.

The process of setting the return drive data (S6007), outputting the set return drive data (S4203), and moving the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B from their operating positions to their standby positions based on the return drive data (returning the movable decorative member 141 from the close state to the separated state) is an example of a "return process."

Next, if it is determined in S6001 that the first execution condition has not been met (NO in S6001), it is determined whether or not the second execution condition, which is the execution condition (start condition) for the second moving effect during the aforementioned game period (from the jackpot moving effect to the opening period), has been met (S6009).

As described above, in the jackpot variable performance including the movable performance of this embodiment, the movable performance (first time) is executed at a predetermined time during the variable performance, and the movable performance (second time) is executed in the opening period of the jackpot following the end of the variable performance. For this reason, in S6009, when the start timing of the opening period after the jackpot variable performance including the movable performance arrives, it is determined that the second execution condition is met (YES in S6009). In other words, the start timing of the opening period is the execution (start) timing of the second movable performance.

As with the first execution condition described above, the second execution condition can include the effect button 63 being operated in a specified manner or the movable decorative member 141 being in a detached state.

If it is determined in S6009 that the second execution condition is met (YES in S6009), the process of S6003 described above is performed, and if it is determined that the second execution condition is not met (NO in S6009), the process proceeds to S6005 without performing the process of S6003. The second movement effect is performed by the process of S6003 based on the second execution condition being met.

Here, after the first moving performance is executed (S6003), the return drive data is set (S6007) due to the return condition being met (YES in S6005), and before the timing for executing (starting) the second moving performance arrives (before the second execution condition is met), it is checked whether the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state (whether the movable bodies 141A, 141B are in the standby position), and if it is not in a separated state, the return drive data is set again, and processing (return processing) is performed to return the movable decorative member 141 from the close state to the separated state. In this way, it is possible to increase the certainty that the movable decorative member 141 is in a separated state before the execution (start) of the second moving performance.

[Example of performance of the third embodiment]
Next, a description will be given of an example of the performance of this embodiment involving the above-mentioned movable performance-related processing (S6000) with reference to Figures 63 and 64. Note that the steps (S) in the following description of this example of the performance correspond to the steps of the above-mentioned movable performance-related processing (S6000).

This example shows a case where, during the execution of a jackpot variable performance including a movable performance, the first movable performance is executed based on the operation of the first performance button 63a at the timing when the SP reach performance progresses to the development performance, and then the second movable performance is executed based on the start of the opening period of the jackpot following the variable performance (the transition from the variable performance to the opening performance).

Figure 63 (A) shows the SP reach performance being executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a during the variable performance. As the SP reach performance progresses and the development timing arrives, as shown in Figure 63 (B), an operation prompting image 610 is displayed on the display screen 7a to prompt the player to operate the first performance button 63a (in this example, press it once). Up to this point, it is the same as the performance example of the second embodiment described above (see Figures 60 (A) and (B)). Note that the operation prompting image 610 is an example of a "predetermined image" that is displayed before the first moving performance is executed.

Then, at the development timing, if the first performance button 63a is operated within the effective operation period, or if the effective operation period elapses without being operated, the execution condition for the first movable performance (first execution condition) is met (YES in S6001). In response to this, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each move from their standby positions to their operating positions (S6003), and the movable decorative member 141 enters a close state as shown in FIG. 63(C). This close state is maintained until the return condition described below is met.

In this embodiment (performance example), the effective operation period of the performance button is 3 seconds, and the time from the start of the effective operation period until the movable decorative member 141 is activated, passes through a close state, and returns to a separated state (effective operation period + period during which the movable performance is executed) is 6 seconds. Therefore, the execution period of the movable performance is at least 3 seconds (in the case of no operation) and at most just under 6 seconds (in the case of operation at approximately the same time as the start of the effective operation period) (more than 3 seconds but less than 6 seconds).

After the first movable performance is executed, when the timing for executing (starting) the development performance arrives, the return condition for returning the movable decorative member 141, which is in a close state, to a separated state is met (YES in S6005). In response to this, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each move from their operating positions to their standby positions (S6007), and the movable decorative member 141 enters a separated state, as shown in FIG. 63 (D). At this time, the development performance is executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a. In other words, the movable decorative member 141 enters a separated state based on the execution (start) of the development performance. For this reason, the close state of the movable decorative member 141 is maintained until the development performance is executed (started).

In this embodiment (performance example), when the movable decorative member 141 changes (returns) from a close state to a separated state at the end of the first movable performance, the execution (start) timing of the development performance (the timing of the establishment of the return condition) is determined so that the development performance starts at approximately the same time that the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each start moving (return operation) from their operating positions to their standby positions. In other words, the development performance is executed while the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are moving (during return operation) from their operating positions to their standby positions. This makes it possible to make the development performance appear to appear on the display screen 7a that was covered by the movable decorative member 141, enhancing the visual effect of the performance.

The execution period of the development performance can be set appropriately within the variable performance pattern. In this example, the execution period of the development performance only needs to be longer than the time (return time) required for the movable decorative member 141 to change from the close state to the separated state, and it can be either shorter or longer than the execution period of the movable performance. In other words, the execution period of the development performance can be set so that the development performance ends after the change of the movable decorative member 141 from the close state to the separated state has ended (completed) (after returning to the separated state). In this way, the development performance can be reliably executed (displayed) (continued) on the display screen 7a when the movable decorative member 141 is in the separated state, and good visibility of the development performance (display screen 7a) can be ensured and the performance can be shown to the player.

The development performance may be started when the movable decorative member 141 is separated (the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B are returned to the standby position), i.e., when the execution period of the first moving performance has elapsed (the end of the first moving performance). This also allows the development performance to be executed (displayed) on the display screen 7a when the movable decorative member 141 is separated.

Then, when the execution period of the development performance has elapsed, as shown in FIG. 64 (E), the performance pattern 8 returns to normal size (is enlarged) and is stopped in a jackpot state. After this, when the start timing of the opening period of the jackpot arrives, the execution condition for the second movable performance (second execution condition) is met (YES in S6009). In response to this, the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B each move from the standby position to the operating position (S6003), and the movable decorative member 141 becomes close to each other as shown in FIG. 64 (F). Note that the performance pattern 8 (jackpot performance pattern) stopped (determined) in a jackpot state is an example of a "predetermined image" that is displayed before the execution of the second movable performance.

When the time (e.g., 3 seconds) during which the movable decorative members 141 are kept in close contact due to the second moving performance has elapsed, the return condition for returning the movable decorative members 141 in close contact to their separated states is met (S6005), and the upper movable body 141A and the lower movable body 141B move from their operating positions to their standby positions (S6007). This ends the second moving performance, and on the display screen 7a, which has become almost entirely visible due to the end of the moving performance, the opening performance, round performance, and other big win game performances are executed (displayed).

In this example, the flow of the performance from the execution of the jackpot change performance including the moving performance (SP reach performance) to the opening period is shown, but the first moving performance can also be executed in the miss change performance. In other words, in the miss change performance including the moving performance, it is possible to execute up to the development performance in the flow shown in Figure 63 (A) to (D), and execute the miss notification performance following the development performance (see Figure 61 (D1)).

[Effects of Example 3]
In the pachinko game machine 1 of the present embodiment described above, the movable performance in which the movable decorative member 141 (movable performance member) in the separated state (first state) is activated to be in the approaching state (second state) is executed twice during the game period (predetermined game period) from the start of the big win variation performance to the end of the opening period after the variation performance. Specifically, it is executed twice in total, at the timing of development from the SP reach performance to the development performance during the big win variation performance, and at the timing of the start of the opening period after the variation performance (see Figs. 63 and 64). Then, between the execution of the first movable performance (the previous movable performance) and the execution of the second movable performance (the next movable performance), a return process is executed in which the movable decorative member 141 in the approaching state is activated to be in the separated state. Therefore, it is possible to keep the movable decorative member 141 in the approaching state by the execution of the first movable performance in the separated state before the execution of the second movable performance. This makes it possible to accurately execute two movable performances during the above-mentioned game period, thereby improving the performance effect during the game period.

In addition, in the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, the moving effect is executed twice during the game period (in this example, from the jackpot moving effect to the opening period) that includes the execution of a moving game (specific moving game) based on the result of the special symbol hit/miss determination being a jackpot (specific result). This makes it possible to increase the player's anticipation for the jackpot game (special game) through the moving effect.

In the pachinko game machine 1 of this embodiment, during the execution of the variable performance, the operation prompt image 610 is displayed on the display screen 7a, and then the first moving performance is executed (see Fig. 63 (B) and (C)). If the variable performance is a big win variable performance, the second moving performance is executed after the performance pattern 8 is displayed stopped (confirmed stop) in a big win mode on the display screen 7a (see Fig. 64 (E) and (F)). Therefore, it is possible to attract the player to the moving performance that is executed afterwards, using the display of the operation prompt image 610 or the display of the performance pattern 8 stopped (display of a specified image) as an opportunity. This makes it possible to increase the interest when the moving performance is executed.

In addition, in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, of the two moving performances executed during the execution of the jackpot variable performance (SP reach performance) and the opening period, the first moving performance is executed based on the operation of the first performance button 63a (operation means). Therefore, at least one moving performance can be executed as an operation-responsive performance based on the operation of the performance button. This makes it possible to increase the interest when the moving performance is executed. In particular, by executing the first moving performance as an operation-responsive performance, it becomes easier to give the player an impact when the moving performance is executed.

In Example 3, as in Example 2, a movable decorative member 141 having two movable bodies 141A, 141B that move up and down is shown as an example of a movable performance member, but it may also have a movable body that operates in the left-right or diagonal direction. Also, it may have one movable body as in Example 1 above, or it may have three or more movable bodies. In other words, the movable performance member in Example 3 may have any form, and the manner of the movable performance is also not particularly important, as long as it can be operated between a non-operating state (first state) and an operating state (second state).

In addition, in Example 3, the movable presentation is executed twice: when the SP reach presentation develops into an expansion presentation during the jackpot variation presentation, and when the opening period begins after the variation presentation. However, the number of times and timing of execution of the movable presentation are not limited to this, and for example, the movable presentation may be executed two or more times during one variation presentation (during a variation play). In this case, the conditions for executing the movable presentation can be set as a third execution condition, a fourth execution condition, etc., in addition to the first execution condition (S6001) and second execution condition (S6009) described above.

Examples of presentation patterns when a moving presentation is executed multiple times during one variable presentation (during variable play) include a pattern in which the first moving presentation is executed between the start of the variable presentation of the presentation pattern and the establishment of a reach, the second moving presentation is executed between the establishment of a reach and the start of an expanding presentation, and the third moving presentation is executed between the expanding presentation and the stop display of the presentation pattern (confirmed stop display, i.e., the end of the variable presentation). In this case, the configuration is such that a return process for the moving presentation member is executed at a specified time between each moving presentation.

In addition, during the period when the pseudo consecutive performance in which the performance symbol is temporarily stopped (temporarily stopped) and then displayed again in a variable manner, the movable performance may be executed according to the number of times the temporary stop and re-variation of the performance symbol is executed (the number of pseudo consecutive times). Specifically, after the start of the variable display of the performance symbol (variable play), the first movable performance is executed in response to the first temporary stop or start of re-variation, the first movable performance is executed in response to the first temporary stop or start of re-variation, the second movable performance is executed in response to the second temporary stop or start of re-variation, and the third movable performance is executed in response to the third temporary stop or start of re-variation. In this case as well, the movable performance member is configured to be restored at a predetermined time between each movable performance.

In the third embodiment, the first of the two moving performances is executed based on the operation of the performance button (i.e., an operation-responsive performance), and the second moving performance is executed based on the arrival of a predetermined execution timing, regardless of the operation of the performance button or the operation valid period (also called a "non-operation-responsive performance" or "non-operation performance"). In contrast, the second moving performance may also be an operation-responsive performance, or both the first and second moving performances may be non-operation-responsive performances (non-operation performances). Furthermore, as described above, when a moving performance is executed three or more times, all of the moving performances may be operation-responsive or non-operation-responsive (non-operation performance), or there may be a mixture of moving performances executed as operation-responsive performances and moving performances executed as non-operation-responsive performances.

In addition, in the third embodiment, the moving performance is executed after the operation prompting image 610 or the performance pattern 8 of the big win mode is displayed, but the image (predetermined image) displayed before the moving performance is executed is not limited to this. For example, the moving performance may be executed after an image (moving performance preview image) that warns in advance of the execution of the moving performance (operation of the moving performance member) is displayed.

Although the above describes examples of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to these examples, and is not limited to the wording of each claim as long as it does not deviate from the scope of each claim, and includes a range that can be easily substituted by a person skilled in the art, and it is possible to appropriately add improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art would normally possess.

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

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a so-called ST machine, but it is also possible to apply the present invention to a type of pachinko game machine that guarantees playing in a high probability state (high probability game state) until the next big hit occurs (so-called "high probability loop machine").The present invention is also possible to apply to a type of pachinko game machine that performs a lottery (so-called "fall lottery") to decide whether or not to end the high probability state each time the special chart variable display (variable game) begins in the high probability state (so-called "fall lottery machine").

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

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

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

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

In the above-mentioned embodiment, the game medium used in the game is a game ball, and the game can be played by shooting the game ball toward the game board (game area). The present invention is also applicable to a pachinko game machine (pinball game machine) in which the game medium used in the game is a game medal, and the game can be played by inserting the game medal and rotating and stopping the reel (drum).

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

(Reference Invention 1)
Conventionally, there are known gaming machines that use gaming media such as gaming balls and gaming medals to play games. Some of these gaming machines are configured to execute various effects using image display units and movable gadgets for effects as the game progresses (see, for example, JP 2013-59691 A).

The effects implemented in gaming machines play an important role in increasing the interest of the game, but there is room for further improvement in order to enhance the effects of these effects.

This reference invention 1 was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation effects.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 is as follows:
A gaming machine capable of playing a game using a predetermined gaming medium,
a display screen capable of displaying an image;
A movable performance member operable between a first state and a second state;
A performance control means capable of controlling a performance executed in association with a game,
The above performance includes:
A first display effect of displaying a predetermined image on the display screen;
A second display effect of displaying a predetermined image on the display screen;
A movable performance that operates the movable performance member in the first state to change it to the second state,
The performance control means includes:
The first display performance and the movable performance can be executed based on the establishment of a predetermined execution condition,
The movable performance member that has been put into the second state by the execution of the movable performance can be kept in the second state even after the end of the first display performance,
The present invention is characterized in that, after the first display performance is completed, the second display performance can be executed while maintaining the second state of the movable performance member.

According to such a gaming machine, when the first display performance and the movable performance are executed, the movable performance member that has been put into the second state by the movable performance remains in the second state even after the first display performance ends, and the second display performance can be executed while maintaining that state. Therefore, the movable performance member is maintained in an actuated state (second state) from the execution of the first display performance to the execution of the second display performance. This makes it possible to link the first display performance, the movable performance, and the second display performance, thereby enhancing the performance effect when these performances are executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 described above,
The performance control means is characterized in that it is capable of executing a performance using the movable performance member in the second state.

With this type of gaming machine, after the movable performance member is put into the second state by executing a movable performance, another performance can be executed using the movable performance member in that state. This makes it possible to further enhance the performance effect.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-1 or 1-2 described above,
A game state control means is provided for controlling a game state when a game is played,
The gaming state includes at least a first gaming state and a second gaming state,
The performance control means includes:
The first display effect can be executed in the first gaming state,
The second display presentation is capable of being executed in the second gaming state.

With this type of gaming machine, the first display effect is executed in the first gaming state, and the second display effect is executed in the second gaming state, so that when the first display effect, the movable effect, and the second display effect are executed, the movable effect member is maintained in an actuated state (second state) across the two gaming states. This makes it possible to enhance the effect of the effects between the gaming states.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-4 is any one of the gaming machines of Reference Inventions 1-1 to 1-3 described above,
The game machine includes an operation means operable by a player,
The performance control means includes:
The movable performance member in the second state can be returned to the first state based on the satisfaction of a predetermined termination condition or the operation means being operated before the satisfaction of the termination condition.

According to such a gaming machine, after the movable performance member is in the second state due to the execution of the movable performance, if a predetermined end condition is met or if the operating means is operated before the end condition is met, the movable performance member in the second state returns (returns) to the first state. Therefore, even if the end condition is not met, it is possible for the player to return (return) the movable performance member to the first state at his/her will. This makes it possible to improve the functionality of a gaming machine equipped with a movable performance member.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 1-5 is:
In a gaming machine capable of playing a predetermined game,
A performance control means for controlling the performance executed in accordance with the progress of a game;
A display means capable of displaying a performance image;
A movable performance member that is located at a standby position when not in operation and is displaceable from the standby position to an operating position when in operation;
An operation means operable by a player,
the performance control means, based on the establishment of a predetermined performance condition, causes the display means to display an image of a predetermined performance, and displaces the movable performance member from the standby position to the operating position;
The movable effect member may continue to be located at the operating position even when the predetermined effect is ended and an image of an effect other than the predetermined effect is displayed on the display means,
The performance control means is characterized in that it is capable of returning the movable performance member to the standby position based on the operation means being operated when the movable performance member is not in the standby position.

With this type of gaming machine, it is possible to return the movable performance member that has been displaced from the standby position to the operating position to the standby position at any time.

According to the above-mentioned reference invention 1, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation effects.

(Reference Invention 2)
The present invention 2 has been made to solve the same problem as the above-mentioned invention 1.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 is as follows:
A gaming machine capable of playing a game using a predetermined gaming medium,
a display screen capable of displaying an image;
A movable performance member operable between a first state and a second state;
A performance control means capable of controlling a performance executed in association with a game,
The above performance includes:
A first display effect of displaying a predetermined image on the display screen;
A second display effect of displaying a predetermined image on the display screen;
A movable performance that operates the movable performance member in the first state to change it to the second state,
When the movable performance member is in the first state, a portion of the display screen covered by the movable performance member is smaller than when the movable performance member is in the second state;
The performance control means includes:
It is possible to execute the moving performance, and to execute the first display performance while maintaining the moving performance member, which has been brought into the second state by the execution of the moving performance, in the second state, and then execute the second display performance;
When the second display performance is executed after the movable performance and the first display performance, the movable performance member is actuated to enter the first state based on the execution of the second display performance.

According to such a gaming machine, when the movable performance member is in the first state, the portion of the display screen covered by the movable performance member is smaller than when it is in the second state. That is, when the movable performance member is in the second state, the portion of the display screen covered by the movable performance member is larger than when it is in the first state. Then, when the movable performance is executed and the movable performance member is in the second state, and the first display performance is executed in that state, when the second display performance is executed, the movable performance member transitions from the second state to the first state based on the execution of the second display performance. Therefore, when the second display performance is executed through the movable performance and the first display performance, before the execution of the second display performance, the movable performance member is in the second state, and the portion of the display screen covered by the movable performance member is relatively large, and the first display performance is executed in that state, while when the second display performance is executed, the movable performance member is in the first state, and the portion of the display screen covered by the movable performance member is relatively small. This makes it possible to change the appearance of the performance when the second display performance is executed through the movable performance and the first display performance, thereby enhancing the performance effect.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 described above,
The first display effect is characterized by displaying a predetermined effect image on the display screen.

According to such a gaming machine, the first display effect, which is executed when the movable effect member is in the second state due to the execution of the movable effect, displays a predetermined effect image on the display screen. Therefore, the movable effect member in the second state, in combination with the effect image displayed on the display screen when the movable effect member is in the second state, can give a visual impact to the player. This makes it possible to enhance the presentation effect when the movable effect is executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-1 or 2-2 described above,
When a result of a judgment executed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is a specific result, a special game in which a predetermined benefit can be awarded to a player can be executed;
The performance control means is capable of controlling a performance based on a result of the determination,
The second display effect is characterized in that it displays a specific image on the display screen, which suggests that the result of the judgment is the specific result.

According to such a gaming machine, the second display effect, which is executed after the moving effect and the first display effect, displays a specific image on the display screen, which indicates that the result of the judgment is a specific result. Therefore, it is possible to increase the player's anticipation for the special game from the execution of the moving effect and the first display effect to the execution of the second display effect. This makes it possible to further enhance the presentation effect when the second display effect is executed after the moving effect and the first display effect.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-4 is any one of the gaming machines of Reference Inventions 2-1 to 2-3 described above,
The second display performance, which is executed after the movable performance and the first display performance, is characterized in that it ends after the movable performance member reaches the first state.

According to this type of gaming machine, when the second display performance is executed after the movable performance and the first display performance, the second display performance ends after the movable performance member reaches the first state. Therefore, it is possible to make the image displayed on the display screen by executing the second display performance clearly. This makes it possible to make the second display performance more effective.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 2-5 is as follows:
In a gaming machine that is controlled to a special gaming state advantageous to a player based on the establishment of a predetermined control condition,
a display device having a display screen;
a movable body that is displaceable forward of the display screen;
a movable body control means for displacing the movable body to at least a predetermined standby position or an operating position where a larger area of the display screen is hidden than at the standby position;
An operable operating means;
A judgment information acquisition means for acquiring judgment information based on the entry of a game ball into a ball entry hole provided in the game area;
a determination means for making a determination based on the determination information acquired by the determination information acquisition means;
an identification symbol display means for displaying an identification symbol indicating the result of the judgment in a variably manner and then in a stationary manner;
A variable performance execution means for executing a variable performance in which a predetermined performance pattern is displayed on the display screen in a variable manner and then stopped in a stop mode that indicates the result of the judgment;
and a special game execution means for executing a special game by opening a special ball entrance provided in the game area after the identification symbol is stopped and displayed in a specific manner indicating that the result of the judgment is a specific result,
The variable performance execution means executes a specific notification performance that notifies the user that the result of the judgment is a specific result as at least a part of the variable performance when the result of the judgment is a specific result,
The movable body control means
a state in which the movable body is maintained at the operating position after being displaced from the standby position to the operating position based on the satisfaction of a predetermined start condition, and a state in which the movable body is maintained at the operating position after being displaced from the standby position to the operating position based on the satisfaction of a predetermined end condition,
the start condition is satisfied at least based on a specific operation on the operating means,
The termination condition is characterized in that it is established at least based on the specific notification performance being executed by the variable performance execution means.

With this type of gaming machine, it is possible to add a new level of excitement by using a movable object that can be displaced in front of the display screen.

According to the above-mentioned reference invention 2, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation effects.

(Reference Invention 3)
The present invention 3 has been made to solve the same problem as the above-mentioned invention 1.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 is as follows:
A gaming machine in which a special game that can provide a player with a predetermined benefit can be executed when a result of a judgment executed based on the establishment of a predetermined condition is a specific result,
A variable game execution means for executing a variable game in which the identification information is displayed in a variable manner and then stopped based on the result of the determination;
A movable performance member operable between a first state and a second state;
A movable control means capable of controlling the movable performance member,
The movable performance of operating the movable performance member in the first state to change it to the second state can be executed multiple times during a predetermined game period including during the execution of the variable game,
The movement control means is characterized in that it is capable of executing a return process to activate the movable performance member in the second state to return it to the first state between the execution of a previous movable performance among the multiple movable performances executed during the game period and the execution of the next movable performance.

According to such a gaming machine, when a movable performance in which a movable performance member in a first state is actuated to change to a second state is executed multiple times during a specified gaming period including during execution of a variable game, a return process can be executed to actuate the movable performance member in the second state to change to the first state between the execution of an earlier one of the multiple movable performances and the execution of the next movable performance. Therefore, it is possible to keep the movable performance member that has changed to the second state by the execution of an earlier one of the multiple movable performances in the first state before the execution of the next movable performance. This makes it possible to accurately execute multiple movable performances during a gaming period including during execution of a variable game, thereby improving the performance effect during that gaming period.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-2 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 described above,
The movable presentation can be executed multiple times during the game period, including during the execution of the variable game based on the result of the judgment being the specific result.

With this type of gaming machine, the moving effect can be executed multiple times during the game period, including the execution of the variable game based on the result of the judgment being a specific result. This makes it possible to increase the player's expectations for the special game by the moving effect.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-3 is the gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-1 or 3-2 described above,
A display means capable of displaying an image is provided,
At least one of the plurality of moving effects executed during the game period is executed after a predetermined image is displayed on the display means.

According to such a gaming machine, when a moving effect is executed multiple times during a game period including when variable play is being performed, at least one moving effect is executed after a predetermined image is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to use the display of the predetermined image as an opportunity to attract the player to the subsequent moving effect. This makes it possible to increase the interest when the moving effect is executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-4 is any one of the gaming machines of Reference Inventions 3-1 to 3-3 described above. The gaming machine is provided with an operation means that can be operated by a player,
At least one of the plurality of moving effects executed during the game period is executed based on the operation of the operating means.

According to such a gaming machine, when a moving effect is executed multiple times during a game period including when variable play is being executed, at least one moving effect is executed based on the operation of the operating means by the player. Therefore, one of the multiple moving effects can be executed as an effect based on the operation of the operating means (operation-responsive effect). This makes it possible to increase the interest when the moving effect is executed.

The gaming machine of Reference Invention 3-5 is as follows:
An input detection means for detecting an input by a player;
a movable performance means operable based on the input detected by the input detection means;
A control means for controlling the operation of the movable performance means;
An effect execution means for executing a predetermined effect in accordance with the progress of a game;
Equipped with
The control means
a first operation control for changing the movable performance means from a first state to a second state based on the input detection means detecting an input within a predetermined input period;
A second operation control that changes the movable performance means in the second state to the first state at a predetermined time after the input period ends.
The purpose is to
As the mode of the performance, the movable performance means has a first operation in which the movable performance means is in the second state based on the detection of the input by the input detection means during the input period, and a second operation in which the movable performance means is in the second state after the end of the input period and after the predetermined time,
The control means is characterized in that it is capable of executing the second operation control at least when the performance of the movable performance mode is performed.

According to such a gaming machine, after the operation (first operation) of the movable presentation means based on the detection of an input (input by the player) by the input detection means within the input period, the next operation (second operation) of the movable presentation means will be started from the first state regardless of the time of detection of the input by the input detection means within the previous input period (time of input by the player). Therefore, it is possible to prevent the presentation effect caused by the operation (first operation) of the movable presentation means based on the detection of an input (input by the player) within the input period and the presentation effect caused by the subsequent operation (second operation) of the movable presentation means from being impaired.

According to the above-mentioned reference invention 3, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with enhanced presentation effects.

1 Pachinko game machine, 2 Game board, 3 Game area, 4 Rail member, 5 Board lamp, 7 Image display device, 7a Display screen, 7b Performance pattern display area (performance pattern display section), 8 Performance pattern, 9a First performance hold, 9b Second performance hold, 10 Center decoration, 14 Movable decoration member, 16 Game nail, 19 Fixed winning device, 20 First start hole, 21 Second start hole, 22 Variable winning device, 23 Opening and closing member, 30 First large winning hole, 31 First large winning device, 32 Opening and closing member, 35 Second large winning hole (V attacker), 36 Second large winning device, 37 Opening and closing member, 39 Specific area, 40 Main display, 41a First special pattern display (first special pattern display section), 41b Second special pattern display (second special pattern display section), 50 Game machine frame, 51 front frame, 52 main body frame, 53 outer frame, 60 launch handle, 63a first performance button, 63b second performance button, 66 frame lamp, 67 speaker, 80 main control board (main control unit), 90 sub control board (sub control unit), 100 image control board (image control unit), 141 movable decorative member, 141A upper movable body, 141B lower movable body, 500 notification image, 510 performance image (telop image), 610 operation promotion image, 630 effect image.

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of playing a game using a predetermined gaming medium,
A movable performance member operable between a first state and a second state;
A movable control means capable of controlling the movable performance member;
A performance execution means capable of executing a predetermined performance;
An operation means operable by a player,
The performance execution means is capable of executing a movable performance multiple times by operating the movable performance member in the first state to the second state,
The movement control means is capable of executing a return process for operating the movable performance member in the second state to the first state during a period from when a first movement performance among the plurality of times of the movement performance is executed to when a next movement performance is executed,
The preceding moving effect is executed based on the operation of the operation means within a predetermined operation effective period that occurs during a game,
The time when a predetermined time longer than the effective operation period has elapsed from the start of the effective operation period is set as the end timing of the previous moving performance, and the return process is executed upon the arrival of the end timing ,
After the return process is executed due to the end timing of the previous moving performance, if the moving performance member is not in the first state before the start of the next moving performance, the return process is executed again.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images