JP7638255B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as pachinko machines, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball gaming machines, slots, and enclosed pachinko machines (managed gaming machines) that circulate enclosed gaming balls internally, and more specifically to gaming machines that can reduce the processing load.

As a conventional gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, for example, a gaming machine as described in Patent Document 1 is known. This gaming machine blurs the outline display of the symbols in order to emphasize the temporary stopping action of the symbols.

JP 2020-192216 A

However, in the above gaming machines, when making a background image lighter overall, it is not possible to process the background image itself with VDP to make it lighter, so it is necessary to prepare a background image with the entire image lighter in advance and store it in CGROM. However, this creates problems in that it puts pressure on the capacity of the CGROM and increases the processing load.

In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the processing load.

The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following means. Note that the parentheses indicate reference symbols of the embodiments described below, but the present invention is not limited to these.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a display means (for example, a liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 2 ) is provided.
A variable performance execution means (for example, the sub-control CPU 800a shown in FIG. 3) capable of executing a predetermined variable performance;
1 (for example, background image P70 shown in FIG. 23 ),
An image for processing (for example, an image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23) for adding a performance effect in the predetermined variation performance to the first image,
An effect image (for example, an effect image P73 shown in FIG. 23) used for the predetermined variable effect;
Image processing means (e.g., the VDP 803 shown in FIG. 3 ),
The image to be processed is composed of a single color (e.g., yellow as shown in FIG. 23 ),
The image size of the first image (e.g., the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23) is larger than the image size of the performance image (e.g., the effect image P73 shown in FIG. 23) and the image size of the processing image (e.g., the processing image P71 shown in FIG. 23), and
The image size of the effect image (e.g., the effect image P73 shown in FIG. 23) is larger than the image size of the processing image (e.g., the processing image P71 shown in FIG. 23),
The image processing means includes:
In the predetermined variation performance,
The image for processing (e.g., the image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23) is enlarged to the same size as the image size of the first image (e.g., the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23), and then, an image process for darkening the first image (e.g., the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23) is selected from a plurality of image processes, and image processing is performed on the image for processing (e.g., the image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23) and/or the first image (e.g., the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23). Thereafter, the image for processing (e.g., the image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23) is superimposed on the first image (e.g., the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23). Thereafter, the image for performance (e.g., the effect image P73 shown in FIG. 23) is enlarged, and the enlarged image for performance (e.g., the effect image P73 shown in FIG. 23) is superimposed on the image for processing (e.g., the image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23), thereby displaying it on the display means .

The present invention can reduce the processing load.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an amusement machine according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board according to the embodiment. 2 is a block diagram showing a control device of the gaming machine according to the embodiment. FIG. (a) to (k-3) are diagrams showing example screens that explain an example of a presentation in which a weak SP reach presentation develops into a strong SP reach presentation. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing example screens illustrating an example of a weak SP reach effect that does not progress to a strong SP reach effect. (a) to (h-3) are figures showing example screens that explain an example of a performance in which a weak SP reach performance does not progress to a strong SP reach performance, but instead a performance that leads to a development to a different route performance occurs. (a) to (e-2) are figures showing example screens that explain an example of a performance in which a development instigation performance to a different route performance is executed multiple times in parallel with the reach performance before the result of the weak SP reach performance is announced. (a) to (e-2) are figures showing example screens that explain a different example of a presentation from that shown in Figure 7, in which a development instigation presentation to a different route presentation is executed multiple times in parallel with the reach presentation before the result of the weak SP reach presentation is announced. (a) shows a timing chart when a weak SP reach misses, (b) shows a timing chart when a weak SP reach performance develops into a strong SP reach performance resulting in a hit, (c) shows a timing chart when a weak SP reach performance develops into a strong SP reach performance resulting in a miss, (d) shows a timing chart when a weak SP reach performance develops into a strong SP reach performance resulting in a miss and then a revival performance is executed, and (e) shows a timing chart when a development instigation performance to a different route performance is executed and a different route performance is executed. 4 shows a timing chart of the case where (f) shows a timing chart when a development boost to another route performance is executed and another route performance is not executed, (g) shows a timing chart when a development boost to another route performance is executed only during a weak SP reach performance, and is not executed after failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance, and (h) shows a timing chart when a development boost to another route performance is executed only during a development boost to a strong SP reach performance, and is not executed after failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance. A diagram showing a table for allocating different route development incentive effects. (a) to (e-3) are figures showing example screens that explain examples of presentations of whether or not to transition from a normal reach to a different route presentation. 11A to 11E are diagrams showing example screens illustrating an example of a normal variation pattern in which a normal reach develops into a different route presentation. 13A shows a timing chart when a normal reach develops into a weak SP reach presentation, and FIG. 13B shows a timing chart when a normal reach develops into a different route presentation. FIG. A diagram showing a table for allocating different route/SP reach development incentive effects. 13A to 13H are diagrams showing example screens illustrating an example of a performance in which the challenge performance fails and a miss confirmation performance is executed. 13A to 13B are diagrams showing example screens illustrating an example of a challenge performance that is successful and develops into a weak SP reach performance. 13A to 13B are diagrams showing example screens illustrating an example of a presentation in which a challenge presentation is successful and progresses to a different route presentation. (a) shows a timing chart when the challenge performance (developmental boost performance) fails, (b) shows a timing chart when the normal reach fails, (c) shows a timing chart when the challenge performance (developmental boost performance) is successful and develops into a weak SP reach, (d) shows a timing chart when the challenge performance (developmental boost performance) is successful and develops into a different route performance, (e) shows a timing chart when a normal reach performance develops into a weak SP reach performance, and (f) shows a timing chart when a normal reach performance develops into a different route performance. 1A shows a selection lottery table for selecting another route/SP reach development incentive performance, and FIG. 1B shows a distribution table for another route/SP reach development incentive performance. (a) to (c) show example screens in which a preview performance suggesting the possibility of an item-getting challenge is being performed, (d) shows a character image with the outline shown in (b), (e) shows a drop shadow image representing the character image shown in (d) in a single color, (f) shows a speech bubble image, (g) shows a serif text image, (h) shows an image combining the images shown in (d), (e), (f), and (g), (i) shows an enemy character image with a drop shadow image placed thereon, and (j) shows an image in which the drop shadow image and speech bubble image as well as serif text images with different lines from the image shown in (h) are represented in red. 13A to 13E are diagrams showing example screens in which the strong SP reach performance has progressed and the strong SP reach performance is being executed. (a) to (d) show example screens illustrating a preview performance in which a character image is masked against a background image, a text image is scrolled within the shape of the character image, and then the character image is displayed without masking the background image; (e) shows a diagram in which a character image is masked against a background image; (f) shows a vertically elongated rectangular text image saying "Defeat evil" against a blue background, and a rectangular text image saying "Samurai" against a blue background; and (g) is an explanatory diagram explaining a method of scrolling the text image shown in (f) within the shape of the masked character image. (a-1) shows a background image, (b-1) shows an image to be edited, (c-1) shows the state in which the image to be edited shown in (b-1) is enlarged and is about to be overlaid on the background image shown in (a-1) after image processing has been applied to it, (d-1) shows the state in which the processing shown in (c-1) is continued and the images are completely overlaid, (a-2) shows the background image, (b-2) shows the image to be edited, (c-2) shows an effect image, and (d-2) shows the state in which the image to be edited shown in (b-2) is enlarged and is overlaid on the background image shown in (a-2) after image processing has been applied to it and the effect image shown in (c-2) is overlaid. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a main process of a main control according to the embodiment. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the continuation of the main processing of the main control shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the setting switching process shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power supply abnormality check process. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process of main control according to the embodiment. A flowchart explaining the normal pattern processing shown in Figure 28. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the special pattern processing shown in FIG. 28. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the start port check process 1 (2) shown in FIG. 30. A flowchart explaining the special pattern change start processing shown in Figure 30. FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating the hit determination process shown in FIG. 32. A flowchart explaining the processing during the special pattern change shown in Figure 30. FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the processing during the special pattern confirmation time shown in FIG. 30. (a) shows a normal pattern hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a normal pattern is a hit or a loss, (b) shows a special pattern big hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss, (c) shows a special pattern small hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss, and (d) shows a special electric support pattern hit determination table used when conducting a lottery to determine whether a special pattern is a hit or a loss. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing main processing of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the data analysis process shown in FIG. 37. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a command reception process of sub-control according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process of the sub-control according to the embodiment. 13A is a flowchart illustrating an initial command list for moving images, FIG. 13B is a flowchart illustrating a regular command list for moving images, and FIG. 13C is a flowchart illustrating a command list for still images.

Below, one embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, using a pachinko gaming machine as an example. Note that in the following description, when directions such as up, down, left, and right are indicated, they refer to up, down, left, and right when viewed from the front of the illustration.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the pachinko machine>
First, the external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Explanation of the external appearance of the front of the pachinko machine>

As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 1 is configured with a rectangular front frame 3 attached to the front of a wooden outer frame 2 so that it can be opened and closed, and a game board 4 mounted inside a game board storage frame (not shown) attached to the underside of the front frame 3. The game board 4 is mounted with the game area 40 shown in Figure 2 facing the front, and as shown in Figure 1, a glass door frame 5 supporting transparent glass is provided in front of this game area 40. The game area 40 is an area surrounded by a ball guide rail 6 (see Figure 2) arranged on the surface of the game board 4.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 1 has a front operation panel 7 disposed below the glass door frame 5, an upper tray unit 8 disposed on the front operation panel 7, and an upper tray 9 for storing ejected game balls formed integrally with the upper tray unit 8. The front operation panel 7 also has a ball loan button 11 and a prepaid card ejection button 12 (card return button 12). The upper tray surface of the upper tray 9 is provided with a push-button type performance button device 13 that can be pressed by the player to change the performance effect when a built-in lamp (not shown) is lit. The upper tray 9 also has a ball ejection button 14 for ejecting the game balls stored in the upper tray 9 downward, and a setting button 15 consisting of an approximately cross key. The setting buttons 15 can be operated by the player and are made up of a circular decision key 15a located in the center, a triangular up key 15b located above the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular left key 15c located to the left of the decision key 15a in the figure, a triangular right key 15d located to the right of the decision key 15a in the figure, and a triangular down key 15e located below the decision key 15a in the figure.

As shown in FIG. 1, a launch handle 16 for operating the launch unit is provided on the right end of the front operation panel 7, and speakers 17 for emitting background music and sound effects are provided on both sides of the upper part of the front frame 3 and near the launch handle 16. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration are arranged around the perimeter of the front frame 3.

<Explanation of the appearance of the game board>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a liquid crystal display device 41 consisting of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like is arranged in the approximate center of the game area 40 of the game board 4. The liquid crystal display device 41 divides the display area into three areas, left, center, and right, and can independently display numbers, characters, letters (character conversations, lyrics telops, etc.) or patterns (special patterns and normal patterns). Around the liquid crystal display device 41, a top decoration 42a, a left decoration 42b, and a right decoration 42c for decoration are provided, and a movable role device 43 is arranged on the back side of the top decoration 42a, the left decoration 42b, and the right decoration 42c. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce a performance effect by light decoration are arranged on the top decoration 42a, the left decoration 42b, and the right decoration 42c.

As shown in FIG. 2, the movable part device 43 is composed of an upper movable part 43a, a left movable part 43b, a right movable part 43c, and an upper left movable part 43d, which perform predetermined performance operations as the game progresses, and a motor (not shown) such as a two-phase stepping motor that drives each of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d. In addition, decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create performance effects through light decoration are arranged on these upper, left, right, and upper left movable parts 43a to 43d.

On the other hand, the special symbol 1 start hole 44 is arranged directly below the liquid crystal display device 41, and inside it is provided a special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3) that detects winning balls. The number of valid winning balls detected by this special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3), that is, the number of first start reserved balls, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as a predetermined number (for example, 4). Note that, when a game ball enters the special symbol 1 start hole 44 and is detected by the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3), this number of first reserved balls is added by 1 (+1), and when the variable display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or symbols (decorative symbols) begins, it is subtracted by 1 (-1). Note that decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect by light decoration are arranged around the special symbol 1 start hole 44.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a special symbol 2 start device 45 is disposed on the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 41. This special symbol 2 start device 45 is composed of a special symbol 2 start hole 45a, an opening/closing section 45b that can change between an "open state" in which the special symbol 2 start hole 45a is in an open state where a game ball can enter, and a "closed state" where a game ball cannot enter, a ball entry guide section 45c that can change between a "guiding state" that guides the game ball toward the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, and a "non-guiding state" that does not guide the game ball, and a special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see Fig. 3) that detects a game ball that has entered the special symbol 2 start hole 45a.

The special symbol 2 start hole 45a opens almost horizontally toward the right side of the front left-right direction in FIG. 2, and a special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 3) that detects winning balls is provided inside the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. The number of valid winning balls detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 3), that is, the number of second start reserved balls, is displayed as a predetermined number (for example, 4) on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that when a game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a and is detected by the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 3), the number of second start reserved balls is increased by 1 (+1), and when the display of special symbols such as numbers, characters, or patterns (decorative patterns) begins to change, the number is decreased by 1 (-1).

The opening/closing section 45b is equipped with an opening/closing member (not shown) that can move left and right relative to the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, and a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 3) that drives and controls the opening/closing member (not shown). When the opening/closing section 45b is in the closed state, the opening/closing member (not shown) protrudes into the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a to prevent game balls from entering the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a, and when the opening/closing section 45b is in the open state, it retracts to allow game balls to enter the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a.

The ball entry guide section 45c is equipped with a guide member (not shown) that slopes downward from the right side to the left side as shown in FIG. 2 (sloping downward toward the special symbol 2 starting hole 45a). This guide member (not shown) is driven and controlled by the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 3).

When in the guide state, the ball entry guide section 45c has a guide member (not shown) that slides and protrudes to the front side of the play area 40 (the glass door frame 5 side shown in FIG. 1) and guides the game ball placed on the upper side to the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, and when in the non-guide state, the guide member (not shown) slides backward (to the rear of the play area 40) to retreat. As a result, even if a game ball is placed on the guide member (not shown) when it is in the guide state, if the guide member (not shown) changes to the non-guide state and slides backward before the game ball enters the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, the game ball will flow downstream without entering the special symbol 2 start hole 45a. The guide member (not shown) and the opening and closing member (not shown) are designed to operate in conjunction with each other.

In the following, the special symbol 2 starter 45 described above may be referred to as a normal electric device. In addition, the special symbol 2 starter 45 is equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a winning device 46 is arranged on the right side of the special symbol 1 starting hole 44. When the winning device 46 wins the lottery for the special symbol described below, that is, during a winning game state, the opening and closing door 46a is driven and controlled by a special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) so that the large winning hole (not shown) closed by the opening and closing door 46a opens, allowing the game ball to enter the large winning hole (not shown). The game ball that enters the large winning hole (not shown) is detected as a winning ball by a large winning hole switch 46c (see FIG. 3) provided inside the large winning hole (not shown).

On the other hand, when the special symbol is not selected, i.e., when the game is not in a winning state, the special electric device solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) drives and controls the opening and closing door 46a, and the large prize opening (not shown) is closed. This prevents the game ball from entering the large prize opening (not shown). In the following, the device combining the opening and closing door 46a and the special electric device solenoid 46b may be referred to as the special electric device. In addition, the winning device 46 is equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect through light decoration.

The prize-winning device 46 is provided with a distribution device 47, which is a conventionally known structure. As shown in FIG. 2, the distribution device 47 has a V-area 47a and an outlet 47b. When a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the game ball is distributed to either the V-area 47a or the outlet 47b. The distribution device 47 does not distribute a game ball that has entered the large prize opening (not shown) to the V-area 47a, but to the outlet 47b, unless a specified game state is reached.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 2, a normal symbol start port 48 consisting of a gate is arranged in the upper right part of the liquid crystal display device 41, and a normal symbol start port switch 48a (see Fig. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball is provided inside the normal symbol start port. In addition, a general prize port 49 is arranged on the right side of the winning device 46 and on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44. This general prize port 49 is composed of an upper right general prize port 49a arranged on the right side of the winning device 46, an upper left general prize port 49b arranged on the left side of the special symbol 1 start port 44, a middle left general prize port 49c, and a lower left general prize port 49d. Inside the upper right general winning opening 49a is an upper right general winning opening switch 49a1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the upper left general winning opening 49b is an upper left general winning opening switch 49b1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball, inside the middle left general winning opening 49c is a middle left general winning opening switch 49c1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball, and inside the lower left general winning opening 49d is a lower left general winning opening switch 49d1 (see FIG. 3) that detects the passage of the game ball. In addition, the general winning openings 49 are equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that create a dramatic effect with light decoration.

On the other hand, just below the special pattern 1 starting hole 44, there is an outlet 50 into which game balls (out balls) that flow down to the lowest part of the game area 40 without winning are placed. The game balls that enter this outlet 50 are detected as non-winning balls by the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3) provided inside, and the winning balls described above also flow down to the lowest part of the game area 4 through the back side of the game board 4, so they are detected by the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3). Therefore, the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3) detects the total number of outs discharged, that is, the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. In addition, when counting the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16, a switch may be provided at the point where the ball guide rail 6 enters the game area 40 to count them.

On the other hand, three seven-segment displays are arranged in the lower right periphery of the play area 40 of the game board 4, two of which are special symbol display devices 51, and the remaining seven-segment display device 53a displays special symbol 1, special symbol 2, the number of balls reserved for the start of normal symbols, and the game status (for example, favorable game status, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, this special symbol display device 51 is composed of a special symbol 1 display device 51a and a special symbol 2 display device 51b, and to the left of the special symbol 1 display device 51a is provided a normal symbol display device 52 consisting of one LED, and furthermore, a round lamp 53b that notifies the number of rounds of the jackpot game, and a right hit notification lamp 53c that notifies the right hit are provided.

In addition, an identification lamp device 51A that displays identification information corresponding to special pattern 1 and special pattern 2 is provided on the upper end side of the left ornament 43b.

This identification lamp device 51A has first and second identification lamps 51Aa and 51Ab for informing the player that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or that special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost. This first identification lamp 51Aa corresponds to special symbol 1, and the second identification lamp 51Ab corresponds to special symbol 2. When special symbol 1 is changing, the first identification lamp 51Aa flashes, when special symbol 1 is a win, the first identification lamp 51Aa is lit, and when special symbol 1 is a loss, the first identification lamp 51Aa is turned off. Furthermore, when special symbol 2 is changing, the second identification lamp 51Ab flashes, when special symbol 2 is a win, the second identification lamp 51Ab is lit, and when special symbol 2 is a loss, the second identification lamp 51Ab is turned off.

In addition, although not shown, multiple game pegs are arranged in the game area 40 of the game board 4, and a windmill 54 is arranged as a member for changing the falling direction of the game ball.

<Description of the control device>
Next, the control device that performs electronic control according to the progress of the game and is provided in the pachinko game machine 1 having the above-mentioned external configuration will be explained using Fig. 3. As shown in Fig. 3, this control device is mainly composed of a main control board 60 that controls the overall game operation, a payout/launch control board 70 that pays out game balls based on control commands from the main control board 60, and a sub-control board 80 that controls images, lights, and sounds.

<Description of the main control board>
The main control board 60 is mainly equipped with a one-chip microcomputer 600 consisting of a main control CPU 600a, a main control ROM 600b which stores a game program describing a series of game control procedures, and a main control RAM 600c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc., a measurement/setting display device 610 consisting of 7 segments which displays (performance display) information related to the ratio of the number of winning balls when the probability of winning is low (when the probability of winning is in a normal low probability state), and also displays the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, a RAM clear switch 620, and a setting key switch 630.

The main control board 60 thus configured is connected to a payout/launch control board 70 which controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls. In addition, there are connected a special pattern 1 start port switch 44a which detects winning at the special pattern 1 start port 44, a special pattern 2 start port switch 45a1 which detects winning at the special pattern 2 start port 45a, a normal pattern start port switch 48a which detects passage through the normal pattern start port 48, an upper right general prize port switch 49a1, an upper left general prize port switch 49b1, a middle left general prize port switch 49c1, and a lower left general prize port switch 49d1 which detect winning at the general prize ports 49 (upper right general prize port 49a, upper left general prize port 49b, middle left general prize port 49c, and lower left general prize port 49d), a large prize port switch 46c which detects winning at a large prize port (not shown) which is opened or closed by the opening and closing door 46a, and an outlet switch 50a which can detect the same number of game balls as the game balls launched into the game area 40 by the launch handle 16. In addition, a normal electric role solenoid 45b2 that drives and controls the opening and closing member (not shown) and the guide member (not shown), a special electric role solenoid 46b that controls the operation of the opening and closing door 46a, a distribution device 47, a special symbol 1 display device 51a, a special symbol 2 display device 51b, a normal symbol display device 52, a 7-segment display device 53a, a round lamp 53b, and a right-hit notification lamp 53c are also connected. In addition, a cheating detection board 55 that detects cheating by the player is connected.

When the main control board 60 configured in this way receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1, or the normal symbol start port switch 47a at the main control CPU 600a, it conducts a lottery and determines the special symbol variation pattern and the display content of the stop symbol or normal symbol according to the winning/losing information that is the lottery result, and transmits the determined information to the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. As a result, the lottery result is displayed on the special symbol 1 display device 51a, the special symbol 2 display device 51b, or the normal symbol display device 52. Furthermore, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, generates a performance control command DI_CMD including the determined information and transmits it to the sub-control board 80. In addition, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives signals from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a, the upper right general prize port switch 49a1, the upper left general prize port switch 49b1, the middle left general prize port switch 49c1, the lower left general prize port switch 49d1, and the large prize port switch 46c, it determines how many game balls to pay out to the player, and sends a payout control command PAY_CMD containing this determined information to the payout/launch control board 70, which then pays out the game balls to the player.

In addition, if the result of the lottery is that a normal symbol is selected, the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 is controlled to keep the opening and closing member (not shown) in the open state and the guide member (not shown) in the guide state for a specified time, and if the result is that a special symbol is selected, the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled to open the big prize opening (not shown).

In a type 1/type 2 mixed gaming machine, when a small win game state is reached, the opening and closing door 46a is controlled to repeatedly open and close the large prize opening (not shown), and when a game ball enters the large prize opening (not shown), the distribution device 47 is controlled so that the game ball is distributed to the V area 47a.

On the other hand, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, measures the number of winning balls each time it receives a signal from the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a, the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1, the upper right general winning port switch 49a1, the upper left general winning port switch 49b1, the middle left general winning port switch 49c1, the lower left general winning port switch 49d1, and the large winning port switch 46c, and measures the total number of game balls discharged each time it receives a signal from the outlet switch 50a. Then, the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, outputs to the measurement/setting display device 610 the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., based on the measured number of winning balls and the total number of game balls discharged. As a result, the content (performance display) regarding the ratio of how many winning balls were generated during low probability, etc., is displayed on the measurement/setting display device 610.

Furthermore, the measurement and setting display device 610 can display the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player in six levels, for example, from "1" to "6". Therefore, when changing such setting contents, when a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, the setting contents of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player can be changed in six levels, for example, from "1" to "6" by the RAM clear switch 620 (for example, the setting "6" has the highest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player, and the setting "1" has the lowest probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player). The setting change contents are then displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610, and when the setting change contents are confirmed, the dot on the lower right side of the 7-segment lights up to indicate that the setting contents have been confirmed.

On the other hand, when the RAM clear switch 620 is pressed, except when a dedicated key is inserted into the setting key switch 630 and turned ON, the entire memory area of the main control RAM 600c is not cleared, but only a portion of the memory area is cleared.

On the other hand, when the main control board 60, i.e., the main control CPU 600a, receives a fraud detection signal that detects a player's fraudulent behavior using a magnetic sensor, radio wave sensor, or vibration sensor mounted on the fraud detection board 55, it generates a fraud error command (presentation control command DI_CMD) and sends it to the sub-control board 80.

<Explanation about the payout/launch control board>
The payout/launch control board 70 receives a payout control command PAY_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and generates a payout motor signal based on the received payout control command PAY_CMD. The payout motor signal thus generated controls the payout motor M to pay out game balls to the player. Furthermore, the payout/launch control board 70 performs processing to start or stop the operation of firing game balls in response to the player's operation based on a prize ball count signal indicating the payout operation of game balls and a status signal related to an abnormality in the payout operation.

Meanwhile, a touch sensor is provided on the periphery of the launch handle 16 shown in FIG. 1, and when the player's hand touches the touch sensor of the launch handle 16, the touch sensor outputs a detection signal to the payout/launch control board 70, as shown in FIG. 4. In response to this, the payout/launch control board 70 transmits the detection signal to the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a). The main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) then transmits the detection signal to the sub-control board 80 as a presentation control command DI_CMD. This makes it possible to transmit information as to whether or not the player has touched the handle 16 to play to the sub-control board 80.

The payout/launch control board 70 also processes balls to be loaned to players. That is, when the ball loan button 11 shown in Figures 1 and 3 is pressed, a ball loan signal is sent to the CR unit (not shown) located adjacent to the pachinko game machine 1. In response to this, the CR unit sends a ball loan request signal to the payout/launch control board 70. Then, in response to this signal, the payout/launch control board 70 pays out game balls to the player, and when the payout is complete, it sends a ball loan completion signal to the CR unit. Thus, in this way, the payout/launch control board 70 processes balls to be loaned to players.

<Explanation about the sub-control board>
The sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sub-one-chip microcomputer 800 which is made up of a sub-control CPU 800a which receives performance control commands DI_CMD from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) and controls the execution and image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, a sub-control ROM 800b which stores control programs describing performance control procedures, and a sub-control RAM 800c which functions as a working area, buffer memory, etc.

Furthermore, the sub-control board 80 is equipped with a sound LSI 801 that generates desired background music and sound effects, a sound RAM 802 that functions as a working area or buffer memory, a VDP 803 that generates image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 based on instructions from the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, a DDR2 SDRAM 804 that is composed of a working area for expanding compressed video data and a frame buffer area for temporarily storing image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a game ROM 805 that stores in advance CG data of compressed still image data and compressed video data, and sound data such as background music and sound effects. Note that a still image is a so-called sprite image, which represents a single image such as text data such as characters, a background image, or a special pattern. Also, a moving image means a collection of multiple still images (multiple frames) that change continuously, and smooth operation is reproduced by drawing multiple still images continuously on the liquid crystal display device 41.

The sub-control board 80 thus configured is connected to a decorative lamp board 90 equipped with decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce lamp effects, and is further connected to a push-button type effect button device 13 that the player can press to change the effect when the built-in lamp (not shown) is lit, and a speaker 17 that emits background music and sound effects. The sub-control board 80 is further connected to a movable role device 43 that performs a predetermined effect operation as the game progresses, an identification lamp device 51A that notifies the player when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 is changing, or when the special symbol 1 or special symbol 2 has won or lost, a setting button 15 that allows various settings, and a liquid crystal display device 41.

Thus, the sub-control board 80 configured in this way receives a presentation control command DI_CMD sent from the main control board 60 (main control CPU 600a) at the sub-control CPU 800a, which includes basic information required for the special symbol variation pattern based on the lottery result, the current game status, the number of balls on hold for starting, the decorative symbols to be stopped based on the lottery result, etc. Then, the sub-control CPU 800a determines by lottery the presentation pattern corresponding to the received presentation control command DI_CMD from among a large number of presentation patterns previously stored in the sub-control ROM 800b, and temporarily stores a control signal instructing the execution of the determined presentation pattern in the sub-control RAM 800c.

The sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the sound LSI 801 a control signal related to sound, among the control signals that instruct the execution of the presentation pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. In response to this, the sound LSI 801 reads out sound data corresponding to the control signal from the game ROM 805 or sound RAM 802, and outputs it to the speaker 17. This causes the speaker 17 to produce background music and sound effects corresponding to the presentation pattern determined above.

The sub-control CPU 800a also transmits to the decorative lamp board 90 a light-related control signal among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. This causes the decorative lamp board 90 to control the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as full-color LED lamps that produce the lamp performance effect, thereby executing a lamp performance corresponding to the performance pattern determined above.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list relating to images among the control signals for instructing the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that an image corresponding to the determined performance pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that the image data displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 is updated every frame, but the VSYNC (vertical synchronization signal) shown in FIG. 3 is transmitted from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a as an interrupt signal so that the sub one-chip microcomputer 800 (sub-control CPU 800a) can know that the display operation of this one frame has ended. This allows the sub-control CPU 800a to know that one frame's worth of image data has been displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that this VSYNC interrupt signal is generated, for example, every 33 ms.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the movable role device 43 a control signal related to a movable role among the control signals that instruct the execution of the performance pattern stored in the sub-control RAM 800c. As a result, the movable role device 43 moves in accordance with the determined performance pattern.

<Power supply board explanation>
Incidentally, power is supplied to each of the boards described above from a power supply board 130 shown in Fig. 3. This power supply board 130 is configured to include a voltage generation unit 1300, a voltage monitoring unit 1310, and a system reset generation unit 1320. This voltage generation unit 1300 receives an AC voltage of 24V, which is an external power source supplied from a transformer (not shown) installed in the game arcade, and generates multiple types of DC voltages, and the generated DC voltages are supplied to each board (not shown).

The voltage monitoring unit 1310 monitors the AC 24V voltage, and outputs a voltage abnormality signal ALARM to the main control board 60 if a voltage abnormality is detected due to a cutoff of this voltage or the occurrence of a power outage. The voltage abnormality signal ALARM outputs an "L" level signal when a voltage abnormality occurs, and outputs an "H" level signal when the voltage is normal.

On the other hand, the system reset generation unit 1320 generates a system reset signal RST when the power is turned on, and the generated system reset signal RST is output to each board.

<Explanation about the development of the production>
Here, we will explain the development promotion performance.

Conventional gaming machines are known to have a developmental effect that determines whether or not a weak SP reach effect, which has low expectations, will develop into a strong SP reach effect, which has high expectations. However, the so-called weak SP reach effect that develops from a normal reach effect almost never results in a jackpot. Therefore, the key point is whether or not it will develop into a strong SP reach effect, but there is still the problem that it is difficult to develop into this effect.

Therefore, if it were easier to progress from a Weak SP reach effect to a Strong SP reach effect, the player's expectations for a big win would increase, but making the progression easier would inevitably increase the occurrence rate of the Strong SP reach effect too much, which would reduce confidence in a big win (because if you try to increase the occurrence rate of the Strong SP reach effect, you have to increase the occurrence rate of the Strong SP reach effect in the event of a miss).

In this embodiment, therefore, in order to compensate for the situation where the Strong SP Reach performance does not progress easily, a different route of development is performed during the Weak SP Reach performance, and by providing multiple development destinations from the Weak SP Reach performance, the player's sense of expectation is increased without decreasing the reliability of the jackpot. This will be explained in detail below.

<Explanation of an example of development from a weak SP reach effect to a strong SP reach effect>
Fig. 4 shows an example of development from a weak SP reach effect to a strong SP reach effect. Specifically, Fig. 4(a) shows a weak SP reach effect, in which the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen, and further displays the blue text "SP reach" (see image P20) in the center of the screen, and displays a state in which a resident pattern (see image P2) is fluctuating in the lower right corner of the screen.

Next, if a certain condition is satisfied, the reach content that develops into a strong SP reach performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in Figures 4(b) to (d). Specifically, as shown in Figure 4(b), instead of the blue text "SP reach" (see image P20), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a character image CH30 (the color of the character image's clothes is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white") in the lower right of the figure, with a slanted boundary line (see image P21) between them, and a fortress CH31 is displayed in the upper left of the figure. Next, as shown in Figure 4(c), in addition to the screen content shown in Figure 4(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the content "Development if you go to the fortress" (see image M1) in the center of the screen. Next, as shown in FIG. 4(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a character image CH30a (the color of the character image's clothing is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white"), shown in its entirety wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, in the lower right corner of the illustration, separated by an inclined boundary line (see image P21a) that is wider than the boundary line (see image P21) displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 4(c), shouting "Yaa!", and also displays a fort CH31a in the upper left corner of the illustration, which is larger than fort CH31 displayed on the screen shown in FIG. 4(c).

Next, a development trick performance is executed to determine whether the result will be a miss or a development. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4(e), a boundary line (see image P21a) is lightly displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and further, instead of the fortress CH31a, a development pattern (see image P22) and a loss pattern (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) are displayed in the center of the screen, and a development trick performance is executed to determine whether the result will be a miss or a development. Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which a loss pattern and a development pattern are displayed without a winning pattern, but there are also cases in which a winning pattern, a loss pattern, and a development pattern are displayed.

Next, when the development symbol (see image P22) is selected, the development symbol (see image P22) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 4(f) (behind the development symbol (see image P22), character image CH30a and fortress CH31a are displayed to indicate that character image CH30a has gone to fortress CH31a). As a result, as shown in FIG. 4(g), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the blue text "Final Battle Reach" (see image P24) in place of character image CH30a, fortress CH31a, and the development symbol (see image P22). Thus, in this way, the development progresses to the Strong SP Reach performance. Note that since there is no winning at this point, the development symbol may be selected even in the case of a losing combination.

Next, when it progresses to the Strong SP Reach performance, a display will appear to indicate whether the performance will be successful or not, and then the pattern will be displayed. In other words, in the Strong SP Reach performance, the success or failure is displayed based on whether the performance will be successful or not, without the pattern being used to indicate the result.

To explain in more detail, after the content shown in FIG. 4(g) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 4(h), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays, in place of the blue text "Final Battle Reach" (see image P24), a scene in which a character image CH30a (the color of the character image's clothing is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white") wearing a helmet, holding a shield and sword, is shown in full body, shouting "Fight!" and challenging the enemy character image CH32 to a fight.

Next, if the player wins the battle, as shown in FIG. 4(i-1), an image of the character image CH30a defeating the enemy character image CH32 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 while the character image CH30a shouts "Win!", and then, as shown in FIG. 4(j-1), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image in the center of the screen in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop on the winning pattern (in the figure, "777") and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops on the same number, indicating that the player has won the jackpot.

On the other hand, if the player loses the battle, as shown in FIG. 4(i-2), the liquid crystal display 41 displays an effect in which the character image CH30a shouts "I lost" and is defeated by the enemy character image CH32, and then, as shown in FIG. 4(j-2), the liquid crystal display 41 displays the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stopped at a miss pattern (in the figure, "767"). Then, as shown in FIG. 4(k-2), the liquid crystal display 41 displays the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stopped (in the figure, they stopped at "767"), and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops at the same number, and the screen returns to the normal variable screen.

On the other hand, after losing the battle and displaying a screen as shown in FIG. 4(i-2) on the liquid crystal display 41, only if the strong SP reach is a hit, the background color changes on the liquid crystal display 41, and a revival effect is executed in which the character image CH30 shouting "Resurrection!" is displayed, as shown in FIG. 4(j-3). At this time, there is no hint as to whether or not to move from FIG. 4(i-2) to FIG. 4(j-3), and when the revival effect is executed, it is always a hit, so as shown in FIG. 4(k-3), the liquid crystal display 41 displays an image in the center of the screen in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the center decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop on the winning pattern (in the figure, "777") and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops on the same number, indicating that a jackpot has been won.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 4(e), when a development effect is executed on the liquid crystal display device 41 and a losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) is selected, as shown in Fig. 5(a), the losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. As shown in Fig. 5(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 also displays a character image CH30b (the color of the character image's clothing is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white"), which is a full-body image wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, falling down while screaming "Ahhhh!".

Next, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) stop at the losing pattern (in the figure, "767") on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a loss is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop (in the figure, they stop at "767") on the liquid crystal display device 41, and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops at the same number, and the screen returns to the normal variable screen. Note that a revival performance may be executed after the loss display shown in FIG. 5(b), but since the rate at which a strong SP reach is executed at the time of a jackpot or a revival performance after a strong SP reach loss decreases as the number of patterns that result in a jackpot increases, in this embodiment, a revival performance is not executed after a weak SP reach.

Thus, in this way, a developmental performance is performed in which the weak SP reach performance develops into a strong SP reach performance or a losing symbol appears. In other words, in a weak SP reach performance, the probability of a win is basically low. Therefore, if a winning/losing performance is performed with a winning symbol and a losing symbol, the losing symbol will almost always be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, which may reduce the player's interest. Therefore, as explained above, a developmental performance is performed in which the weak SP reach performance develops into a strong SP reach performance or a losing symbol appears.

However, since it is often difficult to progress from a Weak SP Reach performance to a Strong SP Reach performance, we will implement a performance that encourages the player to progress to a different route performance that has a reliability for a jackpot that is about the same as a Strong SP Reach performance, or somewhere between a Weak SP Reach performance and a Strong SP Reach performance. We will explain this in detail below.

<Explanation of the development of the different route>
As shown in Fig. 4(e), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the development effect, and when a losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, "6" is displayed) is selected, as shown in Fig. 6(a), the losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, "6" is displayed) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41. Note that as shown in Fig. 6(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 also displays a character image CH30b (the color of the character image's clothes is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white"), which is a full-body image wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, falling down while screaming "Ahhhh!"

Next, as shown in FIG. 6(a), after the losing symbol (see image P23, in which "6" is displayed) is displayed, a development prompt performance is executed to determine whether or not the game will progress to a different route performance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(b), a development prompt performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, in which a treasure chest (see image P25) is displayed so as to conceal the losing symbol (see image P23, in which "6" is displayed). Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the losing symbol (see image P23, in which "6" is displayed) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 when the character image CH30b falls, as shown in FIG. 6(a), but the losing symbol may not be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 so as not to spoil the expectation of the development prompt performance to determine whether or not the game will progress to a different route performance. In this case, the timing for displaying the losing symbol on the liquid crystal display device 41 is preferably the timing indicating that the game will not progress to a different route performance, as shown in FIG. 6(c-1).

Next, if the game does not progress to a different route performance, as shown in FIG. 6(c-1), the left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) stop on the losing pattern (in the illustration, "767") on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a display is displayed indicating that it is a losing pattern. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(d-1), the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop on the liquid crystal display device 41 (in the illustration, they stop at "767"), and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops with the same number, and the screen returns to the normal variable screen.

On the other hand, when the game progresses to a different route performance, a different route performance (reach performance) is executed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6(c-2), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach state in which the reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen and the reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen are stopped at the same pattern (in the figure, "7"), and in the center of the screen, the blue text "Get a treasure chest chance!" (see image P26) is displayed overlapping the image of a treasure chest. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(d-2), in addition to the screen contents shown in FIG. 6(c-2), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the green text "Find a treasure and win!?" (see image P27) at the bottom of the screen. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (e-2), instead of the blue text "Get a Treasure Chest Chance!" (see image P26) and the green text "Find treasure and hit the jackpot!?" (see image P27) superimposed on the image of the treasure chest, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays an image in the center of the screen indicating whether or not there is treasure in the treasure chest and whether the reach effect will be successful (see image P28).

Thus, when the reach effect is successful, as shown in FIG. 6(f-2), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a success effect in which the red letters "Treasure Found!" (see image P26) are displayed superimposed on an image of treasure emerging from a treasure chest. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(g-2), the liquid crystal display device 41 then displays an image in the center of the screen in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop on the winning pattern (in the figure, "777") and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops on the same number, indicating that a jackpot has been won.

On the other hand, if the reach effect fails, as shown in FIG. 6(f-3), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a failure effect in which the blue text "Empty..." (see image P30) is displayed over an image showing that the treasure box is empty. After that, as shown in FIG. 6(g-3), the left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) stop at a miss pattern (in the figure, "767"), and a miss is displayed. Then, as shown in FIG. 6(h-3), the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop (in the figure, they stop at "767"), and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops at the same number, and the display returns to the normal variable screen.

And thus, in this way, a development that leads to a different route is carried out.

<Explanation of how to execute a development initiation performance to a different route multiple times>
Incidentally, the above-described development prompting performance to another route performance can be executed multiple times in parallel with the reach performance before the result of the weak SP reach performance is announced. Specifically, when the screen content as shown in Fig. 4(d) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in Fig. 7(a), a development prompting performance to another route performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 in which a treasure chest (see image P31) is displayed so as to hide the character image CH30a and the fortress CH31a.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7(b), a boundary line (see image P21a) is faintly displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and further, instead of the fortress CH31a, a development symbol (see image P22) and a loss symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) are displayed in the center of the screen, and a development tilt effect is executed to determine whether the weak SP reach effect will progress to a strong SP reach effect.

Next, when a losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) is selected, the losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 7(c). Note that, as shown in FIG. 7(c), the liquid crystal display device 41 also displays a character image CH30b (the color of the character image's clothing is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white"), which is a full-body image wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, falling down while screaming "Ahhhh!".

Next, as shown in Figure 7(c), after the losing symbol (see image P23, in which a "6" is displayed) is displayed, a development prompt is again executed to see whether or not the game will progress to a different route. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7(d), a development prompt is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 in which a treasure chest (see image P25) is displayed so as to conceal the losing symbol (see image P23, in which a "6" is displayed).

Next, if the game does not progress to a different route presentation, as shown in FIG. 7(e-1), the left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) stop on the losing pattern (in the figure, "767") on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a loss is displayed. The subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 6.

On the other hand, when the game progresses to a different route presentation, as shown in FIG. 7 (e-2), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach state in which a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen stop at the same pattern (in the figure, "7"), and in the center of the screen, the blue text "Get a treasure chest chance!" (see image P26) is displayed superimposed on the image of a treasure chest. Subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 6.

On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8, the above-described development to a different route performance can also be executed multiple times in parallel with the reach performance before the result of the weak SP reach performance is announced.

As shown in FIG. 8(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a character image CH30a (the color of the character image's clothing is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white"), shown in its entirety wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, in the lower right corner of the illustration, separated by a slanted boundary line (see image P21a), shouting "Yaa!", while a fortress CH31a is displayed, and a developmental performance is executed to see whether the weak SP reach performance will progress to a strong SP reach performance.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a boundary line (see image P21a) is displayed faintly on the liquid crystal display device 41, and further, instead of the fortress CH31a, a development pattern (see image P22) and a deviation pattern (see image P23, in the illustration, a "6" is displayed) are displayed in the center of the screen, and a development tilt effect is executed to determine which will happen. At this time, a development tilt effect to a different route is also displayed in which a treasure chest (see image P31) is displayed so as to conceal the development pattern (see image P22), the deviation pattern (see image P23, in the illustration, a "6" is displayed) and the character image CH30a.

Next, when a losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) is selected, the losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 8(c). Note that, as shown in FIG. 8(c), the liquid crystal display device 41 also displays a character image CH30b (the color of the character image's clothing is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white"), which is a full-body image wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, falling down while screaming "Ahhhh!".

Next, as shown in Figure 8(c), after the losing symbol (see image P23, in which a "6" is displayed) is displayed, a development prompt is again executed to see whether or not the game will progress to a different route. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8(d), a development prompt is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 in which a treasure chest (see image P25) is displayed so as to conceal the losing symbol (see image P23, in which a "6" is displayed).

Next, if the game does not progress to a different route presentation, as shown in FIG. 8 (e-1), the left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) stop on the losing pattern (in the figure, "767") on the liquid crystal display device 41, and a loss is displayed. The subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 6.

On the other hand, when the game progresses to a different route presentation, as shown in FIG. 8 (e-2), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach state in which a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen stop at the same pattern (in the figure, "7"), and in the center of the screen, the blue text "Get a treasure chest chance!" (see image P26) is displayed superimposed on the image of a treasure chest. Subsequent processing is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 6.

Thus, as explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the above-described development to another route performance can be executed multiple times in parallel with the reach performance before the result of the weak SP reach performance is announced.

<Explanation of the timing chart for the developmental instigation>
The above-described developmental effect is processed in accordance with a timing chart shown in FIG.

Specifically, in the case of a failure of the weak SP reach shown in FIG. 9(a), during the period from timing T1 to timing T2, a weak SP reach performance as shown in FIG. 4(a) to (c) is executed. Next, during the period from timing T2 to timing T3, a development flurry performance as shown in FIG. 4(d) to (e) is executed. Next, during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, a failure development performance is executed as shown in FIG. 5(a), and during the period from timing T4 to timing T5, a failure symbol in the weak SP reach performance after the failure of the development is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 5(b). Next, during the period from timing T5 to timing T6, a failure symbol returning to normal variation is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 5(c).

On the other hand, if the weak SP reach effect shown in FIG. 9(b) develops into a strong SP reach effect and results in a hit, a weak SP reach effect as shown in FIG. 4(a)-(d) is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. Then, a development flurry effect as shown in FIG. 4(e) is executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T3. Then, a successful development effect as shown in FIG. 4(f) is executed during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, and a strong SP reach effect as shown in FIG. 4(g)-(i-1) is executed during the period from timing T4 to timing T7. Then, a hit effect as shown in FIG. 4(j-1) is executed during the period from timing T7 to timing T8.

On the other hand, if the weak SP reach effect shown in FIG. 9(c) develops into a strong SP reach effect and results in a miss, a weak SP reach effect as shown in FIG. 4(a)-(d) is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. Then, a development flurry effect as shown in FIG. 4(e) is executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T3. Then, a successful development effect as shown in FIG. 4(f) is executed during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, and a strong SP reach effect as shown in FIG. 4(g)-(i-2) is executed during the period from timing T4 to timing T7. Then, a miss effect as shown in FIG. 4(j-2) is executed during the period from timing T7 to timing T8.

On the other hand, if the weak SP reach effect shown in FIG. 9(d) develops into a strong SP reach effect, and then a miss occurs and a revival effect is executed, then during the period from timing T1 to timing T2, a weak SP reach effect as shown in FIG. 4(a) to (d) is executed. Then, during the period from timing T2 to timing T3, a development flurry effect as shown in FIG. 4(e) is executed. Then, during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, a development success effect as shown in FIG. 4(f) is executed, and during the period from timing T4 to timing T7, a strong SP reach effect as shown in FIG. 4(g) to (i-2) is executed. Then, during the period from timing T7 to timing T8, a miss effect as shown in FIG. 4(j-2) is executed, and then during the period from timing T8 to timing T9, a revival effect as shown in FIG. 4(j-3) is executed.

On the other hand, when the development guidance to another route performance shown in FIG. 9(e) is executed and the other route performance is executed, a weak SP reach performance as shown in FIG. 4(a)-(d) is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. Next, a development guidance performance as shown in FIG. 4(e) is executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T3. Next, a development failure performance as shown in FIG. 6(a) is executed during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, and a development guidance performance to another route performance as shown in FIG. 6(b)-(c-2) is executed during the period from timing T4 to timing T5. Next, if the development is successful, a different route performance as shown in FIG. 6(d-2)-(f-2) or FIG. 6(d-2)-(f-3) is executed during the period from timing T5 to timing 6A.

On the other hand, if the development to another route presentation shown in FIG. 9(f) is executed but the other route presentation is not executed, a weak SP reach presentation as shown in FIG. 4(a)-(d) is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. Next, a development development presentation as shown in FIG. 4(e) is executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T3. Next, a development failure presentation as shown in FIG. 6(a) is executed during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, and a development to another route presentation as shown in FIG. 6(b)-(c-1) is executed during the period from timing T4 to timing T5. Next, if the development fails, the game returns to normal variation and a failure pattern is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 during the period from timing T5 to timing T6, as shown in FIG. 6(d-1).

By the way, when a developmental instigation performance of a different route performance is performed before branching to a different route performance, during the period from timing T1A to timing T1B during the period of the weak SP reach performance (period from timing T1 to timing T2) shown in Figures 9(e) and 9(f) (timing T1 to timing T2), a developmental instigation performance to a different route performance as shown in Figure 7(a) may be performed. Also, during the period from timing T2 to timing T2A during the developmental instigation performance period (period from timing T2 to timing T3) shown in Figures 9(e) and 9(f), a developmental instigation performance to a different route performance as shown in Figure 8(b) may be performed. Note that the developmental instigation performance to a different route performance performed during this period is not successful. This is because if the developmental instigation performance to a different route performance performed during this period is successful, a new variation pattern for that case needs to be set. Therefore, if a developmental instigation performance of a different route performance is performed before branching to a different route performance, the developmental instigation performance of the different route performance at that time is not successful. In other words, the development prompting effects to another route effect that are executed between timing T1A and timing T1B and between timing T2 and timing T2A correspond to development prompting effects that suggest that a development prompting effect to another route effect will be executed between timing T4 and timing T5. Depending on whether or not this development prompting effect is executed and the number of times it is executed, the degree of expectation for successful development through the development prompting effect to another route effect can be changed, so that the player can be given a sense of expectation that the development will progress to a different route effect in various patterns.

In addition, the development instigation to another route performance as shown in FIG. 6(b) to (c-2) executed during the period from timing T4 to timing T5 shown in FIG. 9(e) and FIG. 9(f) is executed using the time when the losing pattern in the weak SP reach performance after the development failure shown in the period from timing T4 to timing T5 shown in FIG. 9(a) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. In other words, if the development instigation to another route performance is executed using a different time, the main control CPU 600a side must manage this time scale. In other words, the main control CPU 600a side must manage the variation pattern that uses this time scale. Therefore, the load on the main control CPU 600a side increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to execute the development instigation to another route performance using the period from timing T4 to timing T5 shown in FIG. 9(a) so that it can be processed on the sub-control CPU 800a side. In this way, it is treated the same as a preview performance, so there is no need for the main control CPU 600a to prepare a separate variation pattern, which reduces the load on the main control CPU 600a.

On the other hand, if the development tip-off effect to a different route effect shown in Figure 9 (g) is executed only during a weak SP reach effect, and is not executed after failure to develop to a strong SP reach effect, then a weak SP reach effect as shown in Figures 4 (a) to (d) is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. At this time, a development tip-off effect to a different route effect as shown in Figure 7 (a) is executed during the period from timing T1A to timing T1B. Next, a development tip-off effect as shown in Figure 7 (b) is executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T3. Next, during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, a losing pattern in the weak SP reach effect after the development failure is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in Figure 7 (c). Next, the development to a different route performance is not executed, and during the period from timing T4 to timing T5, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the losing symbol in the weak SP reach performance after the failed development is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and during the period from timing T5 to timing T6, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the losing symbol returning to normal variation is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

On the other hand, if the development instigation to a different route performance shown in Figure 9 (h) is executed only during the development instigation to a strong SP reach performance, and is not executed after the development to a strong SP reach performance has failed, then a weak SP reach performance as shown in Figures 4 (a) to (d) is executed during the period from timing T1 to timing T2. Next, a development instigation performance as shown in Figure 8 (a) is executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T3. At this time, a development instigation performance to a different route performance as shown in Figure 8 (a) is also executed during the period from timing T2 to timing T2A. Next, during the period from timing T3 to timing T4, as shown in Figure 8 (c), a losing pattern in the weak SP reach performance after the development has failed is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Next, the development to a different route performance is not executed, and during the period from timing T4 to timing T5, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the losing symbol in the weak SP reach performance after the failed development is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and during the period from timing T5 to timing T6, as shown in FIG. 5(c), the losing symbol returning to normal variation is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Thus, the developmental effects described above are processed according to the timing chart shown in Figure 9.

<Explanation of the alternative route development incentive performance allocation table>
Incidentally, the selection of whether or not to execute the development prompt performance to the other route performance described above is made by using the other route development prompt performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL shown in FIG. 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the other route development prompt performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL has patterns A to I. Pattern A shows a pattern in which the development prompt performance to the other route performance shown in FIG. 9(f) is executed and the other route performance is not executed. Pattern B shows a pattern in which the development prompt performance to the other route performance shown in FIG. 9(g) is executed only during the weak SP reach performance and is not executed after the development to the strong SP reach performance has failed. Pattern C shows a pattern in which the development prompt performance to the other route performance is executed only during the development prompt performance to the strong SP reach performance and is not executed after the development to the strong SP reach performance has failed. Pattern D shows a pattern in which the development prompt performance to another route performance is executed during a weak SP reach performance and after a failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance, and the other route performance is not executed (a pattern obtained by adding pattern A to pattern B). Pattern E shows a pattern in which the development prompt performance to another route performance is executed during a development prompt performance to a strong SP reach performance and after a failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance, and the other route performance is not executed (a pattern obtained by adding pattern A to pattern C). Pattern F shows a case in which the development prompt performance to another route performance shown in FIG. 9(e) is executed and the other route performance is executed. Pattern G shows a pattern in which the development prompt performance to another route performance is executed during a weak SP reach performance and after a failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance, and the other route performance is executed (a pattern obtained by adding pattern F to pattern B). Pattern H shows a pattern in which a development prompt to another route performance is executed during a development prompt to a strong SP reach performance and after a failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance, and a different route performance is executed (a pattern obtained by adding pattern F to pattern C).Pattern I shows a pattern in which a development prompt to another route performance is executed during a weak SP reach performance, during a development prompt to a strong SP reach performance, and after a failure to develop to a strong SP reach performance, and a different route performance is executed (a pattern obtained by adding pattern C to pattern B and further adding pattern F).

Thus, the main control CPU 600a draws the variation pattern of the special symbol and transmits the result of the drawing as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a). In response, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the alternative route development incentive performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL shown in Figure 10 and draws a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the development incentive performance to the alternative route performance described above.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal variation (miss), challenge performance failure (miss), or normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none" (does not execute the alternative route development performance). Then, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is weak SP reach 1 (miss) or weak SP reach 2 (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probabilities shown. This results in "none" or one of patterns A to E being won. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal reach ⇒ alternative route performance (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is weak SP reach ⇒ alternative route performance (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probabilities shown. This results in one of patterns F to I being won. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is weak SP reach ⇒ strong SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, the winning is "none" or any of the patterns B to C. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is weak SP reach 1 (win) or weak SP reach 2 (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, the winning is "none" or any of the patterns B to C. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal reach ⇒ another route performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the variation pattern is weak SP reach ⇒ another route performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probabilities shown in the figure. This results in a win for one of patterns F to I. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10, when the variation pattern is weak SP reach ⇒ strong SP reach (win), or weak SP reach ⇒ strong SP reach ⇒ revival performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probabilities shown in the figure. This results in a win for "none" or one of patterns B to C.

Thus, in this manner, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the alternative route development incentive performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL shown in FIG. 10 to perform a lottery to determine whether or not to execute the alternative route development incentive performance described above. The alternative route development incentive performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 3).

Also, the allocation values in the alternative route development incentive performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL are set so that, even when a weak SP reach performance hits or when a weak SP reach performance develops into a strong SP reach performance, the alternative route development incentive performance is only executed in cases where it only appears during a weak SP reach or during the development incentive performance to a strong SP reach performance (pattern B or pattern C). This is to prevent the player from losing their sense of expectation by thinking that there will be no hit in the weak SP reach performance or that it will not develop into a strong SP reach performance if an alternative route development incentive performance is executed during a weak SP reach or during the development incentive performance to a strong SP reach performance.

<Explanation of when to transition from a normal reach to a different route>
In the above explanation, the explanation has been made on the premise that the weak SP reach performance is in progress, but it is not limited to this, and it is also possible to move from the normal reach to another route performance. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11 (a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach (tenpai) state in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A) and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop at the same pattern (in the figure, "7") and the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B) is changing, and further, the blue character "reach" (see image P35) is displayed at the top of the screen, and the normal reach is displayed in which the resident pattern (see image P2) is changing at the bottom right corner of the screen.

Next, as shown in FIG. 11(b), instead of the middle decorative symbol (see image P1B), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a weak SP reach symbol (see image P36, shown as "SP"), a miss symbol (see image P37, shown as "6"), and a different route performance symbol (see image P38, shown as "treasure chest") in the center of the screen, and as shown in FIG. 11(c), these rotate around, creating a tilt-and-shift performance as to which symbol the ball will stop on.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 11(d-1), when the alternative route performance symbol (see image P38, shown as "treasure chest" in the figure) is selected and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 11(e-1), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach state in which the reduced left decorative symbol (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen and the reduced right decorative symbol (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen have stopped at the same symbol ("7" in the figure), and in the center of the screen, the blue text "Get a treasure chest chance!" (see image P26) is displayed superimposed on the image of the treasure chest, and at the bottom of the screen, the green text "Find treasure and hit the jackpot!?" (see image P27) is displayed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 (d-2), when a weak SP reach pattern (see image P36, shown as "SP") is selected and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 11 (e-2), a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen, and further, the blue text "SP reach" (see image P20) is displayed in the center of the screen, and the state in which the resident pattern (see image P2) is changing is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11 (d-3), when a losing symbol (see image P37, in the illustration, a "6" is displayed) is selected and displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, as shown in FIG. 11 (e-3), the left decorative symbol (see image P1A), the middle decorative symbol (see image P1B), and the right decorative symbol (see image P1C) stop on the liquid crystal display device 41 (in the illustration, they stop at "767"), and the resident symbol (see image P2A) also stops at the same numbers, and the display returns to the normal variable screen.

This makes it possible to present to the player the following scenarios: a situation in which the variable presentation of a different route presentation continues, a situation in which the variable presentation of a weak SP reach continues, and a situation in which the presentation ends in a miss.

On the other hand, the change pattern from a normal reach to a different route presentation is almost the same as the change pattern from a normal reach to a weak SP reach presentation, as shown in Figure 12. Specifically, as shown in Figure 12(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reach (tenpai) state in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A) and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop at the same pattern ("7" in the figure) and the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B) is changing, and furthermore, the word "reach" (see image P35) is displayed in blue at the top of the screen, and a normal reach is displayed in the bottom right corner of the screen, with the resident pattern (see image P2) changing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B) fluctuating at a slow speed, and then, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the middle decorative pattern fluctuating at a fast speed again.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12(b), a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen, and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) is displayed in the upper right corner of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41. After that, as shown in FIG. 12(e), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays blue text saying "Get a treasure chest chance!" (see image P26) in the center of the screen, superimposed on the image of a treasure chest, and green text saying "Find treasure and hit the jackpot!?" (see image P27) is displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Thus, in this way, a variation pattern is created that develops from a normal reach into a different route presentation.

Therefore, as explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12, it is also possible to transition from a normal reach to a different route presentation.

<Explanation of the timing chart for transitioning from a normal reach to a different route>
Incidentally, the transition from the normal reach to the alternative route presentation described above is processed in accordance with the timing chart shown in FIG.

Specifically, when a normal reach develops into a weak SP reach performance, as shown in FIG. 13(a), normal fluctuations are executed during the period from timing T10 to timing T11, the normal reach performance is executed during the period from timing T11 to timing T12, and the weak SP reach performance is executed from timing T12 onwards. At this time, when a development flurry performance as shown in FIG. 11(b) to (c) is executed, it is executed instead of the normal reach performance shown in the period from timing T11 to timing T12.

On the other hand, when progressing from a normal reach to a different route performance, as shown in FIG. 13(b), normal fluctuations are executed during the period from timing T10 to timing T11, and the normal reach performance is executed during the period from timing T11 to timing T12, and from timing T12 onwards, the different route performance shown in FIG. 12(e) is executed. In this case, when a development flurry performance such as that shown in FIG. 11(b) to (c) is executed, it is executed instead of the normal reach performance shown in the period from timing T11 to timing T12.

<Explanation of the alternative route/SP reach development aori performance allocation table>
Incidentally, the selection as to whether to execute the normal reach effect or the development boost effect described above is made by using the alternative route/SP reach development boost effect allocation table SUB_NBHA_TBL shown in FIG.

The main control CPU 600a draws the variation pattern of the special symbol and transmits the result of the drawing as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a). In response, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the separate route/SP reach development boost performance allocation table SUB_NBHA_TBL shown in Figure 14 and draws a lottery to determine whether to execute the normal reach performance described above or the development boost performance.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal variation (miss) or challenge performance failure (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none" (executes normal reach performance). Then, as shown in FIG. 14, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, either "none" or the development instigation performance is executed and "development failure" is won. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the lottery for the variation pattern is weak SP reach 1 (miss) or weak SP reach 2 (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, either "none" or the development instigation performance is executed and "SP development" is won. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal reach ⇒ different route performance (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, either "none" or the development flare effect is executed and "treasure chest development" is selected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the variation pattern is selected as weak SP reach ⇒ another route effect (miss) or weak SP reach ⇒ strong SP reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, either "none" or the development flare effect is executed and "SP development" is selected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the variation pattern is selected as normal reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the variation pattern is selected as weak SP reach 1 (win) or weak SP reach 2 (win), the sub-control CPU 800a selects with the probability shown in the figure. As a result, either "none" or the development flare effect is executed and "SP development" is selected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the variation pattern is selected from normal reach to another route presentation (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a draw with the probabilities shown. This results in either "none" or a development flurry presentation being executed and "treasure chest development". Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, when the variation pattern is selected from weak SP reach to another route presentation (win), weak SP reach to strong SP reach (win), or weak SP reach to strong SP reach to revival presentation (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a draw with the probabilities shown. This results in either "none" or a development flurry presentation being executed and "SP development".

Thus, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the alternative route/SP reach development boost performance allocation table SUB_NBHA_TBL shown in FIG. 14 to perform a lottery to determine whether to execute the normal reach performance described above or the developed boost performance. The alternative route/SP reach development boost performance allocation table SUB_NBHA_TBL is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see FIG. 3).

Therefore, as explained above, by providing a separate route presentation like the one above, it is possible to diversify the player's expectations for a jackpot so that the indications as to whether or not a highly reliable presentation that will result in a jackpot game state will not be monotonous, and furthermore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is well-balanced so as not to arouse unnecessary expectations in the player even if the expectation of a jackpot game state is lost.

In this embodiment, it has been explained that a winning symbol may be displayed when a development flurry performance in which either a miss or a development is performed as shown in FIG. 4(e), but in a development flurry performance in which either a miss or a development is performed, as shown in FIG. 4(e), the development flurry performance may be performed only with a development symbol (see image P22) and a losing symbol (see image P23, in the figure, a "6" is displayed). In other words, the winning symbol is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as a stop candidate image, and the winning symbol does not stop in the weak SP reach performance. Therefore, in accordance with this, a win in the weak SP reach performance may be eliminated. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in the fluctuation pattern, thereby reducing the control burden.

On the other hand, in the case of a jackpot, if the jackpot develops from a weak SP reach effect to a different route effect, it may be possible to make it more likely that a preview effect with a lower reliability of a jackpot will appear than if the jackpot develops from a weak SP reach effect to a strong SP reach effect. In this way, although the expectation of the development to a strong SP reach effect decreases, it is possible to hope for the development to a different route effect, which can diversify the player's expectations.

In addition, the development performance of another route in this embodiment is intended to compensate for situations where the performance does not progress to a Strong SP Reach performance, so the development performance of another route will not occur during a Strong SP Reach performance.

<Explanation about the winning result>
Next, the loss confirmation performance will be explained.

Conventionally, gaming machines are known in which a challenge-type preview effect (hereafter referred to as a challenge effect) appears during normal fluctuations, which may or may not develop into a reach (mainly a weak SP reach). If this challenge effect fails, a normal reach effect will be performed after the failure, but no jackpot will be won, and a revival effect will not be generated, resulting in a jackpot.

Therefore, in this embodiment, if the challenge performance fails, a loss confirmation performance will be performed before the symbols stop to inform the player that they have lost.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a normal variable screen in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the center decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop (in the figure, they stop at "767") and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops at the same number, and then, as shown in FIG. 15(b), the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the center decorative pattern (see image P1B), the right decorative pattern (see image P1C), and the resident pattern (see image P2) are displayed in a variable state, and then a challenge performance (development flare performance) occurs. This challenge performance (development flare performance) is executed as shown in FIG. 15(c) to FIG. 15(e). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15(c), the words "Get Item Challenge" are displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, covering multiple item boxes (three in the figure), to indicate that one of the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) can be selected using a square frame, and at the bottom, an image that says "Select with the button" (see image P40) is displayed, indicating that one of the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) can be selected using the effect button device 13 shown in FIG. 1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15(d), an image (see image P41) of one of the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) being selected (in the figure, the left side) is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, and as shown in FIG. 15(e), an image (see image P42) of the selected item box being about to be opened is displayed in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41.

Thus, the challenge performance (development flair performance) is executed in this manner. At this time, as shown in Figures 15(c) to (e), the scrolling fluctuations of the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) are not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and only the state in which the resident pattern (see image P2) is changing is displayed. This is to avoid lowering the player's expectations for the challenge performance (development flair performance). That is, in the scrolling movement of the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C), whether or not the left decorative pattern (see image P1A) and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) are ready determines whether or not the game will be ready, so if the scrolling movement is made during a challenge performance (development flare performance), the player will know in advance whether or not the game will be ready from the movement of the pattern movement, which will lower the player's expectations for the challenge performance (development flare performance). Therefore, in this embodiment, when a challenge performance (development flare performance) is being performed, the scrolling movement of the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and only the state in which the resident pattern (see image P2) is changing is displayed.

When the above-mentioned challenge effect (development prompt effect) is executed and fails, as shown in FIG. 15(f), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the blue text "Empty..." (see image P43) superimposed on an image indicating that the item box is empty, indicating that the result is a confirmed failure.

Next, instead of the symbols being scrolled and displayed stationary, as shown in FIG. 15(g), the left decorative symbol (see image P1Aa), the center decorative symbol (see image P1B), and the right decorative symbol (see image P1Ca) are switched to a state in which they are shaking and fluctuating as losing symbols, and are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. At this time, the resident symbol (see image P2) is fluctuating.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15(h), the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop on the liquid crystal display device 41 (in the illustration, they stop at "767"), and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops with the same numbers, and the screen returns to the normal variable screen. Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the reach is not reached, but the screen is not limited to this, and the pattern may also stop and be displayed as a random number (for example, "567").

On the other hand, if the above-mentioned challenge effect (development trigger effect) is executed and succeeds, leading to a weak SP reach, as shown in FIG. 16(a), an SP symbol appears from the item box, and the green text "SP reach get" (see image P44) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 41. Next, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the liquid crystal display 41 displays a reduced left decorative symbol (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen, and a reduced right decorative symbol (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen, and further displays the blue text "SP reach" (see image P20) in the center of the screen, and the state in which the resident symbol (see image P2) is changing is displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. From this point on, the weak SP reach effect will be executed as described above.

On the other hand, when the above-mentioned challenge performance (development prompt performance) is executed and succeeds, and progresses to another route performance, as shown in FIG. 17(a), a treasure chest pattern appears from the item box, and the orange text "Get a treasure chest chance" (see image P45) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41. Next, as shown in FIG. 17(b), a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) is displayed on the upper left corner of the screen, and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 on the upper right corner of the screen. After that, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the blue text "Treasure chest chance" (see image P46) superimposed on the image of the treasure chest in the center of the screen, and displays the green text "Find treasure and win big!?" (see image P27) at the bottom of the screen. From this point on, the other route performance will be executed as described above.

<Explanation of the timing chart for the challenge>
Incidentally, the above-described challenge effect (development prompt effect) is processed in accordance with a timing chart as shown in FIG.

Specifically, if the challenge performance (development tilt performance) fails, as shown in FIG. 18(a), during the period from timing T20 to timing T21, normal fluctuations as shown in FIG. 15(b) are executed, during the period from timing T21 to timing T22, a challenge performance as shown in FIG. 15(c) to (e) is executed, and during the period from timing T22 to timing T23, the challenge performance fails and the normal fluctuation screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 15(f) to (h).

When such a challenge performance (development flare performance) fails, a dedicated variation pattern may be set up to run on a time scale that matches the failed performance, but the time scale for the challenge performance (development flare performance) failure may be run using the same time scale as the time scale for a normal reach miss. That is, as shown in FIG. 18(b), normal variation is executed during the period from timing T20 to timing T21B, and during this period, at timing T21A, the left decorative pattern stops, and at timing T21B, the right decorative pattern stops, resulting in a ready state. Next, as shown in FIG. 18(b), normal reach performance is executed during the period from timing T21B to timing T23, and at timing T23, the middle decorative pattern stops, resulting in a miss, and the screen returns to the normal variation screen.

Thus, by executing the time scale for a failed challenge performance (development flair performance) using the same time scale as the time scale for a failed normal reach, it can be adjusted so that it is executed not only when the main control CPU 600a selects a variation pattern for a failed challenge performance, but also when the sub-control CPU 800a selects a variation pattern for a failed normal reach. Also, since the number of variation patterns prepared on the main control CPU 600a side can be reduced, the load on the main control CPU 600a side can be reduced.

On the other hand, if the challenge performance (development trigger performance) is successful and develops into a weak SP reach, as shown in FIG. 18(c), during the period from timing T30 to timing T31, normal fluctuations as shown in FIG. 15(b) are executed, and during the period from timing T31 to timing T32, challenge performances as shown in FIG. 15(c) to (e) are executed. Then, during the period from timing T32 to timing T33, a screen as shown in FIG. 16(a) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and from timing T33 onwards, a weak SP reach performance is executed.

On the other hand, if the challenge performance (development flair performance) is successful and progresses to a different route performance, as shown in FIG. 18(d), during the period from timing T30 to timing T31, normal fluctuations as shown in FIG. 15(b) are executed, and during the period from timing T31 to timing T32, a challenge performance as shown in FIG. 15(c) to (e) is executed. Then, during the period from timing T32 to timing T33, a screen as shown in FIG. 17(a) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and from timing T33 onwards, a different route performance is executed.

The time scale for when such a challenge performance (development flurry performance) is successful and develops into a weak SP reach is the same as the time scale for developing from a normal reach performance to a weak SP reach performance, and the time scale for when a challenge performance (development flurry performance) is successful and develops into a different route performance is the same as the time scale for developing from a normal reach performance to a different route performance. That is, as shown in FIG. 18(e), normal fluctuation is executed during the period from timing T30 to timing T31A, normal reach performance is executed during the period from timing T31A to timing T33, and from timing T33 onwards, a weak SP reach performance is executed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 18(f), normal fluctuations are performed during the period from timing T30 to timing T31A, normal reach effects are performed during the period from timing T31A to timing T33, and from timing T33 onwards, a different route effect is performed.

Thus, if the challenge performance (development flurry performance) is successful and develops into a weak SP reach, the time scale is the same as the time scale for developing from a normal reach performance to a weak SP reach performance, and if the challenge performance (development flurry performance) is successful and develops into a different route performance, the time scale is the same as the time scale for developing from a normal reach performance to a different route performance. This allows the performance to develop into a weak SP reach or a different route performance without going through a normal reach performance, providing the player with a wide variety of performances.

<Explanation of the alternative route/SP reach development aori performance selection lottery table>
As explained above, the challenge performance (development flurry performance) during normal fluctuation uses the time scale during normal reach, so a lottery is held in advance to determine whether the development flurry performance during normal reach or the challenge performance (development flurry performance) during normal fluctuation will appear. Specifically, the lottery is held using the separate route/SP reach development flurry performance selection lottery table SUB_SBCH_TBL shown in Figure 19(a).

Thus, the main control CPU 600a draws the variation pattern of the special symbol and transmits the result of the drawing as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a). In response, the sub-control CPU 800a refers to the alternative route/SP reach development boost performance selection drawing table SUB_SBCH_TBL shown in Figure 19 (a) and draws a lottery to determine whether a development boost performance during a normal reach or a challenge performance (development boost performance) during normal variation will appear.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19(a), when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal variation (miss) or normal reach (win), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none" (does not execute the development chance performance). Then, as shown in FIG. 19(a), when the lottery for the variation pattern is a challenge performance failure (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects the challenge performance during normal variation (development chance performance). And further, as shown in FIG. 19(a), when the lottery for the variation pattern is normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure, and as a result, either "none" or the challenge performance during normal variation (development chance performance) is won. Note that, for the other variation pattern items, as shown in FIG. 19(a), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure, and as a result, either "none", the challenge performance during normal variation (development chance performance), or the development chance performance during normal reach is won. The separate route/SP reach development incentive performance selection lottery table SUB_SBCH_TBL is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see Figure 3).

<Explanation of the alternative route/SP reach development aori performance allocation table>
Thus, if a challenge performance (development boost performance) during normal fluctuation is won as a result of a lottery using the alternative route/SP reach development boost performance selection lottery table SUB_SBCH_TBL shown in Figure 19(a), a lottery will be performed using the alternative route/SP reach development boost performance allocation table SUB_SBFK_TBL shown in Figure 19(b) to select whether to execute a development failure performance, an SP development performance, or a treasure chest development performance.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19(b), when the lottery for the variation pattern is a normal variation (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "none" (executes normal variation). And, as shown in FIG. 19(b), when the lottery for the variation pattern is a challenge performance failure (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a selects "development failure". Furthermore, when the lottery for the variation pattern is a normal reach (miss), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure, and as a result, either "none" or "development failure" is won. Furthermore, when the lottery for the variation pattern is a normal reach ⇒ another route performance (miss) or a normal reach ⇒ another route performance (win), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure, and as a result, either "none" or "treasure chest development" is won. In addition, for the other variation pattern items, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the sub-control CPU 800a performs a lottery with the probability shown in the figure, and as a result, either "none" or "SP development" is won. The alternative route/SP reach development incentive performance allocation table SUB_SBFK_TBL is stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (see Figure 3).

Thus, in this way, the challenge performance (development flair performance) is executed. Note that, because the variation pattern of the failed challenge performance is selected by the main control CPU 600a, the sub-control CPU 800a cannot adjust the occurrence rate of the failed challenge performance. However, as explained above, if the variation pattern of the normal reach miss can be replaced with the variation pattern of the failed challenge performance, the sub-control CPU 800a can adjust the occurrence rate using the alternative route/SP reach development flair performance selection lottery table SUB_SBCH_TBL (see the item on normal reach (miss)) shown in FIG. 19(a) and the alternative route/SP reach development flair performance allocation table SUB_SBFK_TBL (see the item on normal reach (miss)) shown in FIG. 19(b).

Therefore, as explained above, by providing the above-mentioned alternative route presentation and further providing a miss confirmation presentation, it is possible to diversify the player's expectations for a jackpot so that the presentation indicating whether or not a highly reliable presentation that will result in a jackpot game state is executed does not become monotonous, and furthermore, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a good balance so as not to arouse unnecessary expectations in the player even if the expectation of a jackpot game state is lost.

The challenge performance (development flare performance) described above is designed not to show winning results such as matching patterns. This is because the challenge performance (development flare performance) is a flare performance that determines whether or not the game will develop, so even if you enter a winning performance pattern, it will almost never appear. Therefore, to increase work efficiency, the challenge performance (development flare performance) described above is designed not to show winning results such as matching patterns.

<Explanation of how to highlight characters and blend them into the background>
Incidentally, when displaying the performance contents described above on the liquid crystal display device 41, a method has been conventionally used in which the outline display of the symbols is made vague in order to emphasize the temporary stopping motion of the symbols.

However, the conventional method only focuses on the movement display of the pattern, and there is a problem in that it does not provide sufficient measures for highlighting the background, characters, etc. displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following process is carried out to solve the above problems.

<Explanation of character highlighting>
First, the highlighting of the character will be described. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 20(a) to (c), a case where a preview performance is executed to suggest the possibility of an item get challenge will be described as an example. As shown in Fig. 20(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a state in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), the right decorative pattern (see image P1C), and the resident pattern (see image P2) are changing. Then, the liquid crystal display device 41 displays the character image CH50 in a floating manner so as not to blend in with the background of the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C).

To explain this in more detail, as shown in Figure 20(d), this character image CH50 displays the upper body wearing a helmet and holding a shield, and the outer periphery is outlined with an outline CH50a of a certain width. Specifically, the parts other than the shield are outlined with a black outline CH50a, and the shield is outlined with a white outline CH50a.

Thus, when the character image CH50 with such a border CH50a is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in FIG. 20(b), it is possible to display it as if it is floating without blending in with the background of the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C). That is, the character image CH50 can be highlighted. Therefore, by highlighting the character image CH50 in this way, the player can be made aware of the occurrence of the advance notice performance. The character image CH50 with the border CH50a is stored in advance in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3). In addition, in this embodiment, an example in which the border CH50a is single-layered is shown, but it is not limited to this, and it may be double-layered. That is, a border (not shown) of a width different from the predetermined width of the border CH50a may be bordered along the outer circumferential surface of the border CH50a.

On the other hand, such a character image CH50 has a drop shadow image CH51 displayed on it, as shown in FIG. 20(b). Specifically, the character image CH50 shown in FIG. 20(d) is rendered in a single color (e.g., orange) to generate a drop shadow image CH51 as shown in FIG. 20(e). Note that this drop shadow image CH51 does not highlight the drop shadow image CH51 itself, and therefore the outline CH50a as shown in FIG. 20(d) is not bordered.

Thus, when such a drop shadow image CH51 is superimposed on the character image CH50 shown in FIG. 20(d), it is positioned behind the character image CH50, shifted in a predetermined direction (for example, to the right in the figure). This creates a shadow of the character image CH50, as shown in FIG. 20(h) and FIG. 20(b), creating a visual effect in which the character image CH50 appears to be floating. Therefore, even in this way, the character image CH50 can be highlighted. Note that in this case, the character image CH50 may or may not have a border around its outline CH50a. If it has a border, the character image CH50 can be highlighted even more.

Incidentally, such a drop shadow image CH51 may be stored in advance in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3) as an image in which the drop shadow image CH51 is positioned behind the character image CH50 shown in FIG. 20(h) and shifted in a predetermined direction (for example, to the right in the figure), or the character image CH50 shown in FIG. 20(d) may be processed into a single color using the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3) to generate the drop shadow image CH51, which is then positioned behind the character image CH50 shown in FIG. 20(h) and shifted in a predetermined direction (for example, to the right in the figure).

On the other hand, for the character image CH50 on which such a drop shadow image CH51 is arranged, a speech bubble image CH52 as shown in Fig. 20(f) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 as shown in Fig. 20(b). Then, in this speech bubble image CH52, one of various dialogue character images CH53 as shown in Fig. 20(g) (there are multiple types of dialogue character image CH53 depending on the variation) is displayed (in the figure, "Item?") as shown in Fig. 20(h).

Thus, the character image CH50, drop shadow image CH51, speech bubble image CH52, and dialogue image CH53 are combined to produce an image as shown in FIG. 20(h), resulting in a preview performance as displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 shown in FIG. 20(b). As shown in FIG. 20(b), a right-angled triangular image CH54 with a contour CH54a of a predetermined width on its outer periphery is placed behind the drop shadow image CH51 for the purpose of further highlighting.

Next, the content as shown in Fig. 20(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and then a challenge effect (development prompt effect) occurs as shown in Fig. 20(c). Specifically, as shown in Fig. 20(c), the words "Get Item Challenge" are displayed covering the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) in the center of the screen of the liquid crystal display device 41, covering the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) to indicate that one of the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) can be selected with a square frame, and at the bottom, an image (see image P40) saying "Select with the button" is displayed, indicating that one of the multiple item boxes (three in the figure) can be selected with the effect button device 13 shown in Fig. 1.

Thus, when the preview performance is performed in this manner, the character image CH50 is highlighted.

The shape of the drop shadow image CH51 described above differs depending on the character. That is, if the enemy character image CH60 is an ogre, as shown in FIG. 20(i), the drop shadow image CH61 will also have the shape of the enemy character image CH60 that also resembles an ogre. Therefore, the shape of the drop shadow image CH51 shown in FIG. 20(e) will be different.

On the other hand, by changing the color of the drop shadow image CH51 or the drop shadow image CH61 to red or gold, as in the case of the drop shadow image CH51 shown in FIG. 20(j), it is possible to indicate a high reliability of the jackpot. In this way, even if the shape of the drop shadow image is different, the player can recognize the reliability of the jackpot from the color.

As shown in FIG. 20(g), the serif character image CH53 has a plurality of types according to the variation, so the contents of the serif may differ for each character, or may differ even for the same character, as shown in FIG. 20(j). However, even if the contents of the serif are different, the color of the serif character image CH53 can be changed to red or gold, as shown in FIG. 20(j), to indicate a high reliability of the jackpot. In this way, even if the contents of the serif are different, the player can recognize the reliability of the jackpot by the color. When changing the color of the serif character image to red or gold, the color of the drop shadow image may also be changed to red or gold in the same way. In this way, the player can recognize the reliability of the jackpot even more. Furthermore, it is also possible to make it possible to recognize that the reliability of the jackpot increases not only by differences in color, but also by differences in the size of the characters or the shape of the character font, even when the colors are the same.

<Explanation of how to blend the display into the background>
Next, the display that blends in with the background will be described. Specifically, the case where the strong SP reach performance is executed as shown in Fig. 21 (a) to (e) will be described as an example. As shown in Fig. 21 (a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a reduced left decorative pattern (see image P1Aa) in the upper left corner of the screen and a reduced right decorative pattern (see image P1Ca) in the upper right corner of the screen, and further displays the blue text "Final Battle Reach" (see image P24) in the center of the screen. Thus, the strong SP reach performance will be developed in this way.

Next, when the game progresses to the Strong SP Reach performance, the Strong SP Reach performance is executed, which displays whether the performance will be successful or not. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21(b), instead of the blue text "Final Battle Reach" (see image P24), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a performance in which a character image CH65 (the color of the character image's clothes is "blue", the color of the helmet stand is "white", the color of the shield frame is "white", and the color of the sword is "white") wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword is shown whole-body wearing a helmet and holding a shield and sword, shouting "Battle!" and challenging the enemy character image CH60 to a fight. To explain in more detail, as shown in FIG. 21(b), the outer periphery of the character image CH65 is bordered by a contour CH65a that is narrower than the contour CH50a shown in FIG. 20(b) and (d). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21(b), the outer peripheral surface of the enemy character image CH60 is also bordered with an outline CH60a that is narrower than the outline CH50a shown in FIG. 20(b) and (d). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21(b), a background image P50, such as a plurality of pillars and thunderclouds, is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and the outer peripheral surface of the background image P50 is also bordered with an outline P50a that is narrower than the outline CH50a shown in FIG. 20(b) and (d). As a result, the character image CH65 and the enemy character image CH60 do not appear to stand out from the background image P50, but rather blend in. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21(b), the lines of the character image CH65 are displayed using a telop image P51, such as the line "Let's fight!", without using a balloon image CH52 as shown in FIG. 20(f). As a result, the lines do not appear to stand out from the background image P50. This allows the image to blend in with the background. Unlike the preview effect described above, the reach effect does not highlight the image but blends in with the background, so it is preferable to leave the outline single. In this case, the width of the outline CH65a is different from the width of either outline when the outline CH50a described above is doubled. The character image CH65 and enemy character image CH60, as well as the background image P50 described above, are stored in advance in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3).

Then, the content as shown in FIG. 21(b) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and then, as shown in FIG. 21(c), the words "Yaaa!" are displayed in the caption image P51, and the character image CH65 and enemy character image CH60 are displayed approaching each other.

Next, as shown in FIG. 21(d), the liquid crystal display device 41 executes a notice performance that notifies the reliability of the big win during the strong SP reach performance. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21(d), a cut-in performance image P52 is displayed in front of the strong SP reach performance content using the character image CH65, the enemy character image CH60, and the background image P50. As shown in FIG. 21(d), the cut-in performance image P52 has a contour P52a with a predetermined width bordered on the outer periphery, thereby highlighting the area of the cut-in performance image P52 to the player. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 21(d), the cut-in performance image P52 displays a character image CH65A of only the upper body without the sword of the character image CH65 shown in FIG. 21(b) and (c). As shown in FIG. 21(d), instead of a border on the outer periphery of the character image CH65A, an effect CH65Aa is bordered like a border. This allows the character image CH65A to be highlighted in the area of the cut-in effect image P52 without framing the outline CH50a as shown in Figures 20(b) and (d). This allows the player to recognize the occurrence of a preview effect. Also, as shown in Figure 21(d), the cut-in effect image P52 displays a red-lettered line image P53 saying "This will decide it!", which indicates a high reliability of the big win. In this embodiment, the cut-in effect image P52 is an example of a character image of only the upper body without a sword as shown in Figures 21(b) and (c), but is not limited to this, and any other character may have the same motif as the character shown in Figures 21(b) and (c), and may have a different pose or expression from that shown in Figures 21(b) and (c), for example.

Thus, in this manner, a preview performance is executed to notify the reliability of a jackpot during the strong SP reach performance. Note that in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the effect CH65Aa is outlined like an outline, but it is also possible to outline the outline CH50a as shown in Figures 20(b) and (d) and add an effect. Also, instead of the outline CH50a as shown in Figures 20(b) and (d), the effect CH65Aa may be outlined like an outline.

Next, the content as shown in FIG. 21(d) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and then, as shown in FIG. 21(e), the words "Win!" are displayed in the caption image P51, and an effect of defeating the enemy character image CH60 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and then, as shown in FIG. 4(j-1), an image is displayed in the center of the screen on the liquid crystal display device 41, in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and the right decorative pattern (see image P1C) stop on the winning pattern (in the figure, "777") and the resident pattern (see image P2A) also stops on the same number, indicating that a jackpot has been won.

Thus, when a reach effect is executed in this way, the character is displayed blending in with the background. That is, particularly in the case of a strong SP reach effect, where the character image CH65 and the enemy character image CH60 are displayed as a series of images (video) as shown in FIG. 21 (b) to (e), displaying the character image CH65 and the enemy character image CH60 blending in with the background creates a more special visual impression than the SP reach effect. Furthermore, it is easier for the player to understand that the reliability of a big win has increased. Note that in this embodiment, the strong SP reach effect has been used for the explanation, since this tendency is particularly evident in the strong SP reach effect, but this is not limited to the strong SP reach effect, and displaying the character blending in with the background can be said to be applicable to reach effects in general, in that it makes it easier for the player to understand that the reliability of a big win has increased.

Therefore, as explained above, by highlighting the characters or displaying them so that they blend in with the background, sufficient measures can be taken regarding the highlighting of the background, characters, etc. displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

<Description of a case where a character image is used to mask a background image>
Next, a case where a mask process is performed using a character image on a background image will be described. Specifically, the process is as shown in FIG. 22. That is, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays a state in which the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), the center decorative pattern (see image P1B), the right decorative pattern (see image P1C), and the resident pattern (see image P2) are changing. Note that the background image P60 is solid light blue.

Next, as shown in FIG. 22(b), the liquid crystal display device 41 displays background image P60 in the shape of character image CH70, and displays character images P61 and P62 behind background image P60, so that characters are displayed only within the shape of the transparent character image CH70. To explain this in more detail, the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3) uses the character image CH50 shown in FIG. 20(d), which is stored in advance in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3), to mask background image P60, as shown in FIG. 22(e), to generate background image P60 in which the shape of character image CH70 is transparent. This gives the impression that background image P60 is cut out by character image CH70, as shown in FIG. 22(e).

Then, against the background image P60 that has been masked in this way and made transparent in the shape of the character image CH70, a vertically long rectangular text image P61 with a blue background color and a rectangular text image P62 with a blue background color and the word "samurai" are placed. That is, the text images P61 and P62 shown in Fig. 22(f) are displayed behind the background image P60 shown in Fig. 22(e). As a result, the text images P61 and P62 are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 only within the shape of the character image CH70, as shown in Fig. 22(b).

Next, by moving such character image P61 in the upward direction (arrow Y1 direction) as shown in FIG. 22(g) and moving character image P62 in the leftward direction (arrow Y2 direction) as shown in FIG. 22(g), the character content will be scrolled and displayed only within the shape of character image CH70 as shown in FIG. 22(c).

Next, the content as shown in FIG. 22(c) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, and then, as shown in FIG. 22(d), the character image CH50 is displayed against the background image P60 that is not masked.

Thus, by masking using the character image CH70 in this manner and scrolling the text image against the background image P60 in which the shape of the character image CH70 is made transparent, and then displaying the character as shown in FIG. 22(d), a preview performance can be executed to announce the appearance of the character. Note that, although an example of displaying the text images P61 and P62 has been shown in this embodiment, this is not limiting and any image may be displayed.

<Explanation of how to create multiple visual effects using simple methods>
Next, a method of having multiple image effects using a simple method will be described. Conventionally, for example, when a certain background image is to be lightened as a whole, it is necessary to prepare a lightened background image as a whole in advance and store it in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3) since it is not possible to lighten the background image itself using the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3).

However, this would put a strain on the capacity of the game ROM 805 (see Figure 3) and increase the processing load.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the following process is carried out to solve the above problems.

That is, an example will be described in which a pale background image is generated to add a presentation effect when performing the variable presentation of the left decorative pattern (see image P1A), middle decorative pattern (see image P1B), and right decorative pattern (see image P1C) as shown in FIG. 22(a). When making the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23(a-1) that is pre-stored in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3) pale, a processing image P71 shown in FIG. 23(b-1) for adding a presentation effect is pre-stored in the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3). This processing image P71 is a solid image of a single color (yellow in the illustration) and is smaller in size than the background image P70 (for example, 160 x 120 pixels).

Thus, this processing image P71 is enlarged using the VDP803 (see FIG. 3) to the same size (e.g., 1600 x 1200 pixels) as the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23(a-1), as shown in FIG. 23(c-1), and then image processing is performed and the two are superimposed to generate a pale background image P72 as shown in FIG. 23(d-1). Note that this pale background image P72 is then displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2) using the VDP803 (see FIG. 3).

Therefore, by doing this, there is no need to prepare a background image with a lightened overall color in advance, so the capacity of the game ROM 805 (see Figure 3) is not strained, and the processing load can be reduced.

The image to be edited P71 can be any single color, such as black or blue. Black can make the background image darker, while blue can emphasize its paleness. In other words, by providing a variety of colors, it is possible to express a variety of background images without putting a strain on the capacity of the game ROM 805 (see Figure 3).

The following image processing is carried out when overlaying the images. Specifically, image processing such as "multiplication," "addition," and "subtraction" is carried out. That is, in "multiplication" image processing, the background image P70 and the enlarged image to be processed P71 are overlaid by performing image processing that multiplies each color of each pixel of the background image P70 by the color of the enlarged image to be processed P71 as shown in FIG. 23 (c-1). Thus, when this type of "multiplication" image processing is carried out, the background image P70 becomes darker than the original color.

On the other hand, in "addition" image processing, image processing is performed in which the color of each pixel of the background image P70 is added to the color of the enlarged image to be edited P71 as shown in FIG. 23 (c-1), so that the background image P70 and the enlarged image to be edited P71 are superimposed. Thus, when this type of "addition" image processing is performed, the background image P70 becomes brighter than the original color.

Furthermore, in the "difference" image processing, the color of each pixel of the background image P70 is subtracted from the color of the enlarged image to be edited P71 as shown in FIG. 23 (c-1), and the absolute value is used to perform image processing that combines the color of each pixel of the background image P70, thereby superimposing the background image P70 and the enlarged image to be edited P71. Thus, when this kind of "difference" image processing is performed, the background image P70 becomes darker than the original color.

Thus, by performing this type of image processing, various processing can be realized. Therefore, the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3) selects one of the image processing methods, "multiplication," "addition," or "subtraction," depending on the content of the variable performance (for example, effects during a preview performance), performs the image processing, and superimposes the background image P70 and the enlarged image for processing P71. Note that since the image for processing P71 is merely an image for processing the background image P70, this image for processing P71 alone is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2) as an image for executing a specific performance in the variable performance. Therefore, even if it is enlarged, it does not affect the appearance, and since it is a single-color image and small in size, it does not put pressure on the capacity of the game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3).

Here, we will use a specific example to explain how to select one of the image processes, "multiplication," "addition," or "subtraction," depending on the content of the change effect and apply image processing. Specifically, we will explain the effect images used in the change effect.

As shown in FIG. 23(d-2), when it is desired to display an effect image P73 superimposed on a background image P74 on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2), the following process is carried out. The game ROM 805 (see FIG. 3) stores a background image P70 shown in FIG. 23(a-2), an image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23(b-2), and an effect image P73 imitating lightning shown in FIG. 23(c-2). Among the background image P70, image for processing P71, and effect image P73, the size of the background image P70 is the largest, followed by the size of the effect image P73, which is then the size of the image for processing P71. In other words, the size of the image for processing P71 is the smallest.

Next, in order to highlight the effect image P73, the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23(a-2) is darkened. Specifically, the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3) enlarges the image for processing P71 shown in FIG. 23(b-2) to the same size as the background image P70 (e.g., 1600×1200 pixels), and performs image processing of "multiplication" on the background image P70 and/or the enlarged image for processing P71, and superimposes them. This makes it possible to turn the background image P70 shown in FIG. 23(a-2) into a dark background image P74 as shown in FIG. 23(d-2). Then, the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3) enlarges the effect image P73, which imitates lightning and is shown in FIG. 23(c-2) to the same size as the background image P70 (e.g., 1600×1200 pixels), and superimposes it on the dark background image P74. This makes the effect image P73 stand out against the dark background image P74, as shown in FIG. 23(d-2). Note that the image shown in FIG. 23(d-2) (the effect image P73 superimposed on the dark background image P74) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (see FIG. 2) using the VDP 803 (see FIG. 3).

Therefore, by using the VDP 803 (see Figure 3) to select one of the image processes, "multiplication," "addition," or "subtraction," depending on the content of the variable presentation, and applying image processing in this way, not only can the capacity of the game ROM 805 (see Figure 3) be reduced, but it can also contribute to reducing the number of image production steps.

<Main control: Program explanation>
Here, the processing method of the various contents described above will be explained in detail below. First, the outline of the program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 3) processed by the main control board 60 will be explained in detail by referring to FIG. 24 to FIG. 35.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent to indicate that the DC voltage generated by the voltage generating unit 1300 of the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 3) has been applied to each control board, and upon receiving this signal, the main control CPU 600a (see FIG. 3) reads out a program stored in the main control ROM 600b (see FIG. 3) and performs the main control main processing shown in FIG. 24. At this time, the main control CPU 600a first sets itself to an interrupt-prohibited state (step S1).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a stack pointer setting process to set the value of the stack pointer inside the main control CPU 600a to correspond to the final address of the normal stack area (step S2).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S3) and clears the output port that outputs the launch control signal (step S4).

The main control CPU 600a then sets the startup waiting time for the sub-control board 80 (step S5), decrements (-1) the set waiting time (step S6), and clears the WDT (not shown) (step S7).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the set waiting time has become "0" (step S8), and if it is not "0" (step S8: ≠ 0), it returns to processing of step S7, and if it is "0" (step S8: = 0), it proceeds to processing of step S9.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see FIG. 3) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see FIG. 3) twice, checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match, stores it in an internal register of the main control CPU 600a (not shown), and checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S9). If the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "L" level (step S10: YES), the process returns to step S9, and if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is the "H" level (step S10: NO), the process proceeds to step S11. That is, the main control CPU 600a repeats the same process until the voltage abnormality signal ALARM changes to a normal level (i.e., the "H" level) (steps S9 to S10). In this way, by acquiring the voltage abnormality signal ALARM twice, an accurate signal can be read.

Next, the main control CPU 600a permits data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S11) and initializes the work area of the main control RAM 600c (step S12). Specifically, it sets the power supply abnormality confirmation counter to 00H and sets the system operation status to 01H.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a processing command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 to cause the LCD display device 41 to display a standby screen (step S13).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S14) and checks whether a signal indicating that power has been applied (power-on signal) has been received from the dispensing control board 70 (step S15). If the power-on signal has not been received (step S15: OFF), the process returns to step S14, and if the power-on signal has been received (step S15: ON), the process proceeds to step S16.

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the setting key switch 630, and saves them in the working area of the normal RAM area of the main control RAM 600c (step S16).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in FIG. 1 is open or not, the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 that has been evacuated to the working area of the main control RAM 600c, and the signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S17), and checks whether all are ON (step S18). If all are ON (step S18: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs a setting switching process (step S19).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Here, this setting switching process will be specifically described with reference to FIG.

First, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching start command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80, indicating that a setting change is being made (step S50).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the backup flag (step S51). Note that this backup flag is data that indicates whether or not backup processing has been performed when a voltage drop due to a power outage or the like is detected during the power supply abnormality check processing shown in FIG. 27. In addition, this backup flag is cleared in order to detect in step S21 shown in FIG. 25 described later, a case in which power has been interrupted for some reason during the setting switching processing and the main control RAM 600c has not been backed up normally.

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the system operation status to 02H (step S52), obtains the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3), and sets it in the W register (step S53). To be more specific, if the set value is, for example, "1" to "6", the program will set the set values "1" to "6" in the W register in correspondence with values "00H" to "05H".

Next, the main control CPU 600a compares the value set in the W register with the maximum set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S54). If the value set in the W register is greater than the maximum set value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (e.g., "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: YES), the main control CPU 600a determines that the value is an abnormal value and sets 00H to the W register (step S56).

On the other hand, if the value set in the W register is smaller than the maximum probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S55: NO), it is determined to be a normal value and the process proceeds to step S57.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal output to the hall computer used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade to ON, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer (step S57).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port to 00H (step S58).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs the value set in the W register to the LED data port (step S59).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the LED common port that displays the setting value to ON (step S60).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register in the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S61). This process is to check for changes in the level data of the RAM clear switch 620 (see FIG. 3) and the setting key switch 630 (see FIG. 3) by waiting at least 4 ms from the previous acquisition of the switch level to ensure that the change in the level data is not due to an irregularity such as noise. Furthermore, when checking for changes in the voltage abnormality signal in the subsequent power abnormality check process and counting the power abnormality confirmation counter, a 4 ms time is also left to ensure that the "L" level of the voltage abnormality signal is not due to an irregularity such as noise.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S62). This power supply abnormality check process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 27.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of power supply abnormality check processing>
As shown in Fig. 27, the main control CPU 600a twice acquires the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (see Fig. 3) output from the power supply board 130 (voltage monitoring unit 1310) (see Fig. 3) (step S80), and checks whether the levels of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM acquired twice match (step S81). If they match (step S81: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM (step S82), and if they do not match (step S81: NO), the process returns to step S80.

Next, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at the "H" level (step S82: OFF), the main control CPU 600a clears the power abnormality confirmation counter (step S83) and ends the power abnormality check process.

On the other hand, if the level of the voltage abnormality signal ALARM is at the "L" level (step S82: ON), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S84) and checks the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter (step S85). If the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is not 2 or more (step S85: NO), the power supply abnormality check process ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the power supply abnormality confirmation counter is 2 or greater (step S85: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a power cut command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that the power supply has been cut off (step S86).

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the system operation status (step S87). If the value of the system operation status is 02H, it determines that the setting change process is in progress (step S87: YES), does not set the backup flag to ON, and proceeds to the processing of step S89. In this way, a case where power is interrupted for some reason during the setting change process and the main control RAM 600c is not backed up normally can be detected in step S21 shown in FIG. 25 described later.

On the other hand, if the value of the system operation status is not 02H, it is determined that the setting change process is not in progress (step S87: NO), and the backup flag is set to ON (step S88).

Next, the main control CPU 600a disables data writing to the main control RAM 600c (step S89) and clears the output data of all output ports (step S90). It then disables timer interrupts (step S91) and performs an infinite loop process to wait for the voltage to drop.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting switching processing>
Thus, when the power supply abnormality check process (step S62) is completed through the above-mentioned processes, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the RAM clear switch 620 signal and switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the RAM clear switch 620 and the level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S63).The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Then, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S64: NO), it proceeds to processing of step S65, and if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S64: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S67.

Next, if the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S65: NO), the main control CPU 600a increments (+1) the value of the W register (step S66) and returns to processing of step S54.

On the other hand, if the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S65: NO), the process returns to step S57.

Thus, the above process is repeated until the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF. When the setting key switch 630 is turned OFF, the main control CPU 600a overwrites the value of the W register with the setting value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player (for example, the setting value "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) and stores it (step S67).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs a setting confirmation display to the LED data port (step S68).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a setting switching end command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S69).

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
Thus, after going through the above-mentioned processing and completing the setting switching processing (step S19) shown in FIG. 24, the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S26 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 and the signal of the setting key switch 630 are all ON (step S18), and if they are not all ON (step S18: NO), the main control CPU 600a performs the process of step S20 shown in FIG. 25.

That is, the main control CPU 600a acquires the set value of the probability of generating a game state advantageous to the player stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) (for example, a set value between "00H" and "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6"), and checks whether it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (for example, "05H" corresponding to "6") (step S20). If it is equal to or less than the set maximum value (step S20: YES), it checks whether the backup flag is set to ON (step S21).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM error processing>
If the value is not below the set maximum value (step S20: NO) or the backup flag is not set to ON (step S21: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a RAM error command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating that there is a RAM error (step S22).

Next, the main control CPU 600a outputs an error indication to the LED data port (step S23).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S24), returns to the process of step S23, and repeats the process. Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 27.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the backup flag is set to ON (step S21: YES), the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is confirmed (step S25).

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of RAM clear processing>
When the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is ON (step S25: YES), or when the setting switching process (step S19) shown in FIG. 24 is performed, the main control CPU 600a does not clear the measurement RAM area and measurement stack area of the main control RAM 600c, but clears the normal RAM area and normal stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S26).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the RAM clear notification timer to 30 seconds (30s) (step S27), and sets the timer that outputs a security signal to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade to 30 seconds (30s) (step S28).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets initial values in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S29) and proceeds to processing in step S41.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the signal of the RAM clear switch 620 is OFF (step S25: NO), the main control CPU 600a acquires a door open signal indicating whether the glass door frame 5 shown in Fig. 1 is open or not, and a signal of the setting key switch 630 (step S30), and checks whether all are ON or not (step S31). If all are not ON (step S31: NO), the process proceeds to step S40.

<Main control: Main processing: Explanation of setting confirmation processing>
On the other hand, if all are ON (step S31: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a setting value command (performance control command DI_CMD) reflecting the setting value to the sub-control board 80 (step S32).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a timer to 30 seconds (30s) to output a security signal to the hall computer used to manage the game island in the amusement arcade (step S33).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the security signal output to the hall computer used to manage the game island of the amusement arcade to ON, and outputs the security signal to the hall computer for the 30 seconds (30s) set by the timer (step S34).

The main control CPU 600a then outputs the setting value to the LED data port (step S35).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets a predetermined value in a register within the main control CPU 600a so that a 4 ms wait is applied, and performs a countdown process (step S36).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a power supply abnormality check process (step S37). Note that this power supply abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 27.

Next, the main control CPU 600a creates switch edge data for the setting key switch 630 signal from the previous and current level data of the setting key switch 630 (step S38). The main control CPU 600a stores the created edge data in the main control RAM 600c.

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the edge data stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S39), and if the setting key switch 630 is ON (step S39: NO), the process returns to step S34.

<Main control: Explanation of main processing>
On the other hand, if the setting key switch 630 is OFF (step S39: YES), initial values for the backup flag, error detection timer, etc. are set in part of the main control RAM 600c (step S40).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sends a command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 indicating whether power will be restored by clearing the RAM or by a backup (step S41).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a game status notification information update process to update the game status notification information (step S42).

Then, the main control CPU 600a sets the internal function register (step S43). Specifically, it sets the launch control signal to ON and sends it to the dispensing control board 70. This causes the dispensing control board 70 to control the launch control board 71 to start operating. It also sets the CTC, which is provided inside the main control CPU 600a and has functions such as creating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the main control CPU 600a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt is generated periodically every 4 ms.

The above process is the initial process for the main control process.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a prize ball winning count management process 1 (step S45) that calculates performance such as the total number of game balls released into the game area 40, including the number of winning balls and the number of non-winning balls, while prohibiting interrupts to itself (step S44). The main control CPU 600a then performs an update process for various random number counters (step S46), returns to an interrupt permitted state (step S47), returns to step S44, and performs a loop process that repeats the processes of steps S44 to S47. This loop process and the interrupt process described below constitute regular processing.

<Main control: Explanation of timer interrupt processing>
Next, with reference to FIG. 28, a timer interrupt program which interrupts the above-mentioned main processing and is started every 4 ms will be described.

When this timer interrupt occurs, a save process is executed to save the contents of the registers in the main control CPU 600a to the stack area of the main control RAM 600c (step S100), and then a voltage abnormality check process is executed (step S101). This voltage abnormality check process is the same process as the power supply abnormality check process shown in FIG. 27.

Next, the main control CPU 600a inputs the ON/OFF signals of various switches including the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 3), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 3), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 3), the upper right general prize port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 3), the upper left general prize port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 3), the middle left general prize port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 3), the lower left general prize port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 3), the outlet switch 50a (see FIG. 3), and the large prize port switch 46c (see FIG. 3), and stores the ON/OFF signal levels and their start-up states in the working area of the main control RAM 600c (step S102).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs timer subtraction processing for various timers (normal symbol fluctuation timer, normal symbol gimmick timer, etc.) that manage the time of each game operation (step S103).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs random number management processing (step S104). Specifically, it performs processing to update the random numbers for the normal symbols, special symbols, etc., used in the winning/losing lottery.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs an error management process (step S105). The error management process is to determine whether there is an abnormality inside the device, such as a stop in the supply of game balls, a jam in the game balls, or a disconnection in the special symbol 1 start port switch 44a (see FIG. 3), the special symbol 2 start port switch 45a1 (see FIG. 3), the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 3), the upper right general winning port switch 49a1 (see FIG. 3), the upper left general winning port switch 49b1 (see FIG. 3), the middle left general winning port switch 49c1 (see FIG. 3), the lower left general winning port switch 49d1 (see FIG. 3), the out port switch 50a (see FIG. 3), or the large winning port switch 46c (see FIG. 3). When an error occurs, a command (performance control command DI_CMD) corresponding to the error is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes a prize ball management process (step S106). This prize ball management process outputs a payout control command PAY_CMD to the payout/launch control board 70 (see FIG. 3) to perform a payout operation.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes normal symbol processing (step S107). This normal symbol processing executes a lottery to determine whether the normal symbol will be selected, and determines the normal symbol's variation pattern and the normal symbol's stop display state based on the lottery result. Details of this processing will be described later.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes the normal electric role management process (step S108). This normal electric role management process generates a signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 3) required for the normal electric role release game to occur based on the lottery result of the normal symbol process (step S107). Note that when the easy-to-win flag indicating whether the game state is a time-saving game state or not is turned ON in the special symbol process (step S109) described later, the normal electric role release game will occur in the next timer interrupt process.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes special symbol processing (step S109). In this special symbol processing, a lottery is executed to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose, and the variation pattern of the special symbol and the stop display mode of the special symbol are determined based on the result of the lottery. In addition, the winning probability flag and the normal symbol probability flag, which indicate whether the game state is a time-saving game state, are also processed. Note that the winning probability of the special symbol when the winning probability flag is ON is determined in the next timer interrupt processing. The details of this processing will be described later.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes a special electric role management process (step S110). In this special electric role management process, when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or "small win", the necessary setting process is performed to execute and control the winning game corresponding to the win. At this time, a signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) is also generated. Note that, when the jackpot lottery result is a "big win" or "small win", a command related to that (presentation control command DI_CMD) is sent to the sub-control board 80.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs right-hit notification information management processing (step S111). In this right-hit notification information management processing, processing is performed to produce a "launch position guidance effect (right-hit notification effect)" that issues a right-hit instruction notification in situations where right-hitting is advantageous, such as when the opening and closing member (not shown) is opened a predetermined number of times for a predetermined time, or when the opening and closing door 46a is opened and the large prize opening (not shown) is opened.

Next, the main control CPU 600a executes an LED management process (step S112). In this LED management process, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output. That is, if the easy-to-win flag is turned ON in the above-mentioned special pattern process within the same timer interrupt, the easy-to-win game state LED signal is output from the output port of the main control CPU 600a to the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2. This causes the LED of the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2 to light up. On the other hand, if the easy-to-win flag is turned OFF, an easy-to-win game state LED signal is output from the output port of the main control CPU 600a. This causes the LED of the 7-segment display device 53a shown in FIG. 2 to turn off.

Then, the main control CPU 600a executes an external terminal management process (step S113). In this external terminal management process, predetermined game information is output to the hall computer used for managing the game island in the game center, such as the number of times a win has occurred during a winning game, the number of times a special pattern has changed, information on the detection of a winning ball entering a winning slot, information on the time-saving game state, and security information.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs solenoid management processing (step S114). At this time, the main control CPU 600a checks the signal related to the control of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 (see FIG. 3) generated in the normal electric role management processing (step S108), and checks the signal related to the control of the special electric role solenoid 46b (see FIG. 3) generated in the special electric role management processing (step S110). Then, based on this signal, the operation/stop of the normal electric role solenoid 45b2 or the special electric role solenoid 46b is controlled, and the opening/closing member (not shown) of the electric chute (normal electric role) is opened, and the time during which the guide member (not shown) is in the guide state is extended/not extended, or the opening/closing door 46a (see FIG. 2) is operated so that the large prize opening (not shown) is opened or closed.

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs processing outside the use area (step S115). In this processing, the performance display value calculated in the prize ball winning count management processing 1 in step S45 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the measurement and setting display device 610 (see FIG. 3).

Then, the main control CPU 600a clears the WDT (not shown) (step S116), returns to the interrupt enabled state (step S117), restores the contents of the registers saved in the stack area of the main control RAM 600c, and ends the timer interrupt (step S118). This causes the process to return from the interrupt processing routine to the main processing (see FIG. 25).

<Main control: Explanation of normal pattern processing>
Next, the normal symbol processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 29, the normal symbol processing first checks whether the passage of a game ball has been detected at the normal symbol start port 48 (see FIG. 2) consisting of a gate, that is, checks the signal level of the normal symbol start port switch 48a (see FIG. 3) of the normal symbol start port 48 (step S150). If the passage of a game ball is detected (step S150: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c in which the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is stored to determine whether the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is, for example, 4 or more (step S151). At that time, if the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is less than 4 (step S151: ≠ MAX), the number of start reserved balls for the normal symbol is increased by 1 (step S152). After that, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value for determining whether the normal symbol wins, which is used to select whether the normal symbol wins or loses, in the main control RAM 600c in which the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol is stored (step S153), and then proceeds to the processing of step S154.

On the other hand, if the passing of a game ball is not detected in step S150 (step S150: NO), or if it is determined in step S151 that the number of initial reserved balls for normal symbols is 4 or more (step S151: = MAX), the processing of steps S152 to S153 is not performed, and the processing proceeds to step S154.

When the main control CPU 600a proceeds to processing of step S154, it checks whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S154). If the normal symbol win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S154: ON), it determines that the normal symbol is winning, updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol hit activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S154: OFF), the process state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S155). Then, if the normal symbol operation status flag is 00H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the state is before the normal symbol starts to change, and proceeds to step S156, where it is checked whether the number of balls reserved for the start of the normal symbol is 0 (step S156).

The main control CPU 600a checks the main control RAM 600c in which the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols is stored, and if it determines that it is 0 (step S156: = 0), it updates the display data for the normal symbols (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing. On the other hand, if it determines that it is not 0 (step S156: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the number of reserved balls for starting normal symbols (step S157).

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a hit determination of the random number value corresponding to the number of balls reserved for the normal symbol stored in the main control RAM 600c using the normal symbol hit determination table NPP_TBL shown in FIG. 36(a). That is, if the normal symbol probability change flag indicating the game state is OFF, the main control CPU 600a determines whether the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit value (249 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit value (250 in the figure) of the normal symbol hit determination table NPP_TBL (normal state) shown in FIG. 36(a), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit value and equal to or less than the upper limit value, it sets the normal symbol hit determination flag to 5AH and turns it ON. In all other cases, the normal symbol hit determination flag is turned OFF.

On the other hand, if the normal symbol winning probability flag indicating the game state is ON, it is determined whether the random number value is equal to or greater than the lower limit (4 in the figure) and equal to or less than the upper limit (250 in the figure) of the normal symbol winning determination table NPP_TBL (winning probability state) shown in FIG. 36(a), and if it is equal to or greater than the lower limit and equal to or less than the upper limit, the normal symbol winning determination flag is set to 5AH and turned ON. In all other cases, a process is performed to set the normal symbol winning determination flag to OFF (step S158).

Thus, the main control CPU 600a determines the stopping pattern (normal stopping pattern) based on the lottery result determined by the random number lottery process (step S159).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the normal pattern time-saving flag, which shortens the normal pattern fluctuation time, is set to ON, and if it is set to ON, it sets the normal pattern fluctuation timer to a corresponding fluctuation time, and if it is set to OFF, it performs a process of setting the normal pattern fluctuation timer to the normal fluctuation time (step S160).

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area of the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used to select whether the normal pattern corresponds to the initial reserved number of balls for the normal pattern is to be selected (step S161). In other words, if a maximum of four regular pattern start reserved balls can be reserved, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of four is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is stored, the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of three is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is stored, and the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of two is shifted to the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value used for the lottery for the regular pattern corresponding to the regular pattern start reserved ball number of one is stored.

After this process, the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 above to 01H, and performs a process of setting the main control RAM 600c, in which the random number value used to select the winning or losing lottery for the normal symbol corresponding to the initial reserved ball count of 4 for the normal symbol, to 00H (step S162).

After completing the processing of step S162, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 01H in step S155, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is changing, proceeds to step S164, and checks whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 or not (step S164). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S164: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S163), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S164: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 to 02H, and sets the normal symbol change timer to, for example, about 600 ms in order to maintain the result of the lottery for the normal symbol for a certain period of time (step S165).

After completing the processing of step S165, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing.

On the other hand, if the processing state indicating the behavior of the normal symbol, i.e., the value of the normal symbol operation status flag, is 02H in step S155, the main control CPU 600a determines that the normal symbol is in the confirmation time (the normal symbol has stopped changing after the change), and proceeds to step S166 to check whether the normal symbol change timer is 0 or not (step S166). If the normal symbol change timer is not 0 (step S166: ≠ 0), the display data of the normal symbol is updated (step S163), and the normal symbol processing is terminated. Then, if the normal symbol change timer is 0 (step S166: = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol operation status flag used in step S155 to 00H (step S167), and checks whether the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S168).

As a result, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to OFF (5AH is not set) (step S168: OFF), the main control CPU 600a updates the display data for the normal symbol (step S163) and ends the normal symbol processing. Then, if the normal symbol hit determination flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S168: ON), the main control CPU 600a sets the normal symbol hit activation flag used in step S154 to ON (5AH is set) (step S169), and then ends the normal symbol processing.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Next, the special symbol process will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 30, the special symbol processing first checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a (see FIG. 3) of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 (see FIG. 2) (step S200), and then checks whether or not a game ball (winning ball) has been detected at the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 (see FIG. 3) of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (see FIG. 2) (step S201).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of starting port check processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 31. The main control CPU 600a checks whether or not a game ball has entered (won) the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole 45a, that is, checks the level of the special symbol 1 start hole switch 44a of the special symbol 1 start hole 44 or the special symbol 2 start hole switch 45a1 of the special symbol 2 start hole 45a (step S250). If the game ball has not entered (won) (step S250: NO), the special symbol process ends.

On the other hand, if a game ball has entered the game (a winning ball) (step S250: YES), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the number of start reserved balls that will trigger a change in the special pattern is a predetermined number stored in the main control RAM 600c (step S251). If the number of start reserved balls is less than 4 (step S251: ≠ MAX), the number of start reserved balls is incremented by 1 (+1) (step S252).

Next, the main control CPU 600a stores the random number value used when the special symbol stops, the random number value for the variation pattern, and the random number value for determining a jackpot in the main control RAM 600c, which stores the number of start-up reserved balls that trigger the variation of the special symbol (step 253).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the current game state (whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON, etc.) and determines whether or not pre-reading is prohibited (step S254). If pre-reading is not prohibited (step S254: NO), the main control CPU 600a obtains the random number value for jackpot determination used in the lottery to determine whether the special symbol will win or lose, which was stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 (step S255), and further obtains a random number determination table for winning at the start port (not shown) (step S256).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery using the random number value for determining a big win obtained in step S255 and the random number determination table (not shown) for starting gate winning obtained in step S256, and performs a lottery for a special pattern according to the lottery result. Furthermore, the type of big win (rank-up bonus win, normal big win, etc.) is determined using the random number value for the special pattern stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253, the fluctuation pattern is determined using the random number value for the fluctuation pattern, and a special pattern starting gate winning command corresponding to the big win is generated (step S257). At this time, in addition to the big win lottery, a small win lottery may also be performed, and the type of small win may be determined using the random number value for the special pattern described above, or a random number value different from the random number value for the special pattern, the fluctuation pattern may be determined using the random number value for the fluctuation pattern, and a special pattern starting gate winning command corresponding to the small win may be generated.

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a lower byte start pending addition command corresponding to the special pattern start hole winning command generated above (step S258).

On the other hand, the main control CPU 600a ends the processing of step S258, or if the first or second start reserved ball count of special pattern 1 or 2 is 4 or more in step S251 (step S251: = MAX), or if pre-reading is prohibited (step S254: YES), it generates a start reserved addition command in the upper byte according to the increased number of start reserved balls (step S259).

Next, the main control CPU 600a combines the lower byte start pending addition command generated in step S258 above with the upper byte start pending addition command generated in step S259 above, and transmits the combined command as a start pending addition command (performance control command DI_CMD) to the sub-control board 80 (step S260).

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of steps S200 and S201 shown in Fig. 30 is completed, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to ON, that is, whether the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S202). If the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S202: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a small win, and after updating the display data of the special symbol (step S208), the special symbol processing is completed.

On the other hand, if the special symbol small win activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S202: OFF), it is checked whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to ON, i.e., whether the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S203). If the special symbol big win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S203: ON), it is determined that the special symbol is in a big win, and after updating the display data for the special symbol (step S208), the special symbol processing is terminated.

On the other hand, if the special symbol jackpot activation flag is not set to 5AH (step S203: OFF), the processing state indicating the behavior of the special symbol, i.e., the value of the special symbol operation status flag, is checked (step S204). To explain in more detail, if the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or 01H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special symbol is waiting to change (indicating that the special symbol has not changed and is waiting for the next change), and performs special symbol change start processing (step S205).

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 32. The main control CPU 600a checks whether the start reserved ball count, which is the trigger for the special symbol to change, is 0 or not (step S300). That is, the main control CPU 600a checks whether it is stored in the main control RAM 600c, and if it determines that the start reserved ball count is 0 (step S300: = 0), it checks whether the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H or not (step S301). If the value of the special symbol operation status flag is 00H (step S301: YES), the special symbol change start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is not 00H (step S301: NO), the main control CPU 600a sends a customer waiting demo command to the sub-control board 80 (see Figure 3) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S302).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 00H (step S303) and ends the special pattern change start process.

On the other hand, if the main control CPU 600a determines that the number of start-pending balls is not 0 (step S300: ≠ 0), it subtracts 1 from the start-pending ball count (-1) (step S304) and sends a start-pending subtraction command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S305).

Next, the main control CPU 600a checks the value of the special pattern time-saving counter described later, and transmits a time-saving number command as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S306). In response to this, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list for an image (video) that does not display the current time-saving number on the liquid crystal display device 41 or displays a fixed number such as 100 times on the liquid crystal display device 41 until the number of time-saving times becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, so that the current time-saving number is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41, or a fixed number such as 100 times is displayed. Then, when the number of time-saving times becomes equal to or less than a predetermined number, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits to the VDP 803 a command list for an image (video) that displays the received time-saving number information on the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the VDP 803 generates image (video) data to display an image based on the command list, and transmits the generated image (video) data to the liquid crystal display device 41, causing the current number of time-saving times to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Next, the main control CPU 600a shifts the memory area in the main control RAM 600c in which the random number values used when the special symbol stops, the random number values for the variable pattern, and the random number values for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in FIG. 31) are stored (step S307), and sets 0 to the area in the main control RAM 600c in which the random number values used to determine whether the special symbol corresponding to start hold 4 has been selected (step S308).

Next, the main control CPU 600a performs hit determination processing (step S309).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Win determination processing explanation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 33. The main control CPU 600a acquires a random number value for determining a jackpot from the main control RAM 600c in which the random number value for determining a jackpot (see step S253 in Figure 31) is stored (step S370).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires the address of the winning determination table corresponding to the changing special symbol. That is, it acquires the address of the special symbol big winning determination table SDH_TBL shown in FIG. 36(b) and the special symbol small winning determination table SDP_TBL shown in FIG. 36(c) (step S371).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the acquired address to the address where the judgment value is stored (step S372).

Next, the main control CPU 600a acquires information as to whether the judgment value differs for each set value (step S373), and checks the value of the acquired information (step S374). If the acquired value is "0" (step S374: = 0), the process proceeds to step S377. If the acquired value is not "0" (step S374: ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a acquires the set value of the probability of generating a special game state advantageous to the player (for example, a set value of "00H" to "05H" corresponding to "1" to "6") stored in the main control RAM 600c (see FIG. 3) (step S375).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address where the judgment value corresponding to the acquired setting value is stored (step S376).

Next, the main control CPU 600a obtains a judgment value from the current address (step S377).

Next, the main control CPU 600a changes the address to the first address where the next determination value is stored (step S378) and compares the obtained random number value for determining a jackpot with the obtained determination value (step S379).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot is not smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: NO), the main control CPU 600a returns to the processing of step S373 and repeats the processing of steps S373 to S380 until the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: YES).

Next, if the acquired random number value for determining a jackpot becomes smaller than the acquired determination value (step S380: YES), the main control CPU 600a acquires a special symbol jackpot determination flag and a special symbol small jackpot determination flag according to the game status (step S381), and ends the win determination process.

<Main control: Special symbol processing: Explanation of special symbol variation start processing>
Thus, after completing the hit determination process (step S309) as described above, the main control CPU 600a conducts a lottery using the random number value used when stopping the special pattern stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 of Figure 31, and generates a stopping pattern for the special pattern according to the lottery result (step S310).

Then, the main control CPU 600a prepares to transition to a game state such as a normal state, a time-saving state, a latent high probability state, or a high probability state (step S311). Note that here, in the event of a jackpot, flag data is prepared in advance for turning on a flag corresponding to the game state after the transition, among the normal symbol time-saving flag, the normal symbol high probability flag, the special symbol time-saving flag, the special symbol high probability flag, and the easy-to-win flag, which are set after the jackpot. In addition, the number of time-saving times to be set in the special symbol time-saving times counter and the number of high probability times to be set in the special symbol high probability times counter are also prepared. Note that the easy-to-win flag is a flag that indicates whether the game state is a time-saving game state or not.

Then, the main control CPU 600a performs a lottery using the random number value for the variation pattern stored in the main control RAM 600c in step S253 of FIG. 31, generates a variation pattern of the special symbol according to the lottery result, and transmits the variation pattern command of the generated variation pattern of the special symbol as a performance control command DI_CMD to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) (step S312). Note that in this step S312, the main control CPU 600a sets the variation time in the special symbol variation timer.

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern changing flag to 5AH and turns it ON (step S313).

Next, the main control CPU 600a generates a pattern designation command that designates the special pattern to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step S314), and performs processing to transmit the generated pattern designation command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S315).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special pattern operation status flag to 02H (step S316) and ends the special pattern change start process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 30, when the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 02H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is changing (indicating that the special pattern is currently changing), and performs special pattern changing processing (step S206).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern fluctuation>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 34. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S312 in Fig. 32 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S400). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S400: NO), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol fluctuation process.

On the other hand, if the special pattern change timer is 0 (step S400: YES), the main control CPU 600a sends a pattern determination command to the sub-control board 80 (sub-control CPU 800a) as a performance control command DI_CMD (step S401).

Next, the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 03H, and sets the special symbol changing flag to 00H. Furthermore, the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol changing timer to, for example, about 500 ms in order to maintain the result of the special symbol winning/losing lottery for a certain period of time (step S402). Thereafter, the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol changing process.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 30, if the value of the special pattern operation status flag is 03H, the main control CPU 600a determines that the special pattern is being confirmed (indicating that the special pattern fluctuation has ended and is stopped), and performs processing during the special pattern confirmation time (step S207).

<Main control: Special pattern processing: Explanation of processing during special pattern confirmation time>
This process will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 35. First, the main control CPU 600a checks whether the time set in the special symbol fluctuation timer in step S312 in Fig. 32 has elapsed, i.e., whether it has reached 0 (step S450). If the special symbol fluctuation timer is not 0 (step S450 ≠ 0), the main control CPU 600a ends the special symbol confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol fluctuation timer is 0 (step S450 = 0), the main control CPU 600a sets the special symbol operation status flag to 01H (step S451) and checks whether the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (whether 5AH is set) (step S452). If the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to ON (if 5AH is set) (step S452: YES), the special symbol jackpot determination flag is set to 00H, the special symbol jackpot operation flag is set to 5AH, the normal symbol time reduction flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, the special symbol time reduction flag is set to 00H, the special symbol probability change flag is set to 00H, and the easy winning flag is set to 00H. Furthermore, the main control CPU 600a performs a process of setting the special pattern time-saving count counter described below to 0000H and the special pattern probability change count counter to 00H (step S453), and ends the special pattern confirmation time process.

On the other hand, if the special symbol big win judgment flag is not set to ON (5AH is not set) (step S452: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S454). If the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to ON (5AH is set) (step S454: YES), the special symbol small win judgment flag is set to 00H, and the special symbol small win activation flag is set to 5AH (step S455). At this time, the normal symbol time-saving flag, the special symbol time-saving flag, and the easy winning flag are set to ON (5AH is set), and the special symbol time-saving count counter is set to the number of time-saving times.

After completing the processing of step S455 above, or if the special pattern small win determination flag is not set to ON (if 5AH is not set) (step S454: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern time-saving counter is 0 (step S456).

If the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S456: NO), the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is decremented by 1 (-1) (step S457), and the main control CPU 600a checks again whether the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 or not (step S458). Then, if the value of the special symbol time-saving count counter is 0 (step S458: YES), the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H, the normal symbol probability variable flag is set to 00H, the easy win flag is set to 00H, and the normal symbol time-saving flag is set to 00H (step S459).

After completing the processing of step S459 above, or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is 0 (step S456: YES), or if the value of the special pattern time-saving count counter is not 0 (step S458: NO), the main control CPU 600a checks whether the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S460). If the value of the special pattern probability change count counter is 0 (step S460: YES), the processing during the special pattern confirmation time is terminated.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S460: NO), the main control CPU 600a subtracts 1 (-1) from the value of the special symbol probability change counter (step S461) and checks again whether the value of the special symbol probability change counter is 0 (step S462). If the value of the special symbol probability change counter is not 0 (step S462: NO), the process during the special symbol confirmation time ends.

On the other hand, if the value of the special symbol probability change count counter is 0 (step S462: YES), the main control CPU 600a performs processing to set the normal symbol time-saving flag to 00H, the normal symbol probability change flag to 00H, the easy win flag to 00H, the special symbol time-saving flag to 00H, and the special symbol probability change flag to 00H (step S463), and ends the processing during the special symbol confirmation time.

<Main control: Explanation of special pattern processing>
Thus, when the processing of any one of steps S205, S206, and S207 shown in FIG. 30 is completed, the main control CPU 600a updates the display data of the special symbol (step S208), and then ends the special symbol processing.

<Description of the processing contents of the sub-control board>
Next, the method of processing the performance contents described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 23 above will be specifically described with reference to the processing contents (program outline) of the sub-control board 80 shown in FIGS.

First, when the power is turned on to the pachinko game machine 1, a power-on signal is sent from the power supply board 130 (see FIG. 3) to each control board to indicate that power has been turned on. Then, upon receiving this signal, the sub-control CPU 800a performs the main processing shown in FIG. 37.

<Sub-control: Explanation of main process>
As shown in Fig. 37, the sub-control CPU 800a first initializes the internal registers and sets the input/output direction of the input/output ports. It then sets the data to be sent from the output port set in the output direction so that it is transferred serially (step S1000).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c that stores the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see FIG. 3) (step S1001). The sub-control CPU 800a then performs interrupt permission setting processing for the input port that receives the interrupt signal from the main control board 60 (step S1002).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a initializes the memory areas in the sub-control RAM 800c used as a working area and stack area (step S1003), and issues an initialization command to the sound LSI 801 (see FIG. 3). This causes the sound LSI 801 to initialize the registers provided therein (step S1004).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a checks whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the motor (not shown) that operates the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d (see Figure 2), and checks the memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c in which the motor data that operates the motor (not shown) is stored. If abnormal data is stored, the sub-control CPU 800a issues a command to return the motor to its origin position (retracted position). This causes the top, left, right, and top left movable parts 43a to 43d to return to their initial positions (step S1005).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a sets the CTC (Counter Timer Circuit) that is provided inside and has functions such as generating a pulse output at a constant period and measuring time. In other words, the sub-control CPU 800a sets the time constant register of the CTC so that a timer interrupt occurs periodically every 1 ms (step S1006).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition calculation, on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1007), and compares the checksum calculation value with the checksum calculation value calculated in the memory backup (see step S1015) described below and stored in the sub-control RAM 800c to confirm whether they match (step S1008). If they do not match (step S1008: NO), a process is performed to clear all areas in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1009).

On the other hand, if there is a match (step S1008: YES) or after completing the processing of step S1009, the sub-control CPU 800a disables the watchdog timer function (not shown) (step S1010) and refreshes the hardware of the sub-control CPU 800a, VDP 803, etc. (step S1011).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a reads the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 (see FIG. 3) stored in the memory area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and determines by lottery a performance pattern corresponding to the contents of the command from among a large number of performance patterns pre-stored in the sub-control ROM 800b (step S1012). At this time, the sub-control CPU 800a performs the lottery for whether or not to execute a development instigation performance to a different route performance using the different route development instigation performance allocation table SUB_SBHA_TBL shown in FIG. 10.

In addition, in step S1012, the sub-control CPU 800a will perform a lottery to determine whether to execute a normal reach effect or an advanced momentum effect, using the alternative route/SP reach advanced momentum effect allocation table SUB_NBHA_TBL shown in FIG. 14.

On the other hand, since the challenge performance (development prompt performance) during normal fluctuation uses the time scale during a normal reach, a lottery is held in advance to determine whether the development prompt performance during a normal reach or the challenge performance (development prompt performance) during normal fluctuation will appear. Specifically, in step S1012, the sub-control CPU 800a will hold a lottery using the alternative route/SP reach development prompt performance selection lottery table SUB_SBCH_TBL shown in Figure 19(a). Then, if the result of the lottery using the alternative route/SP reach development boost performance selection lottery table SUB_SBCH_TBL shown in FIG. 19(a) is that the challenge performance (development boost performance) during normal fluctuation is won, the sub-control CPU 800a will select whether to execute a development failure performance, an SP development performance, or a treasure chest development performance using the alternative route/SP reach development boost performance allocation table SUB_SBFK_TBL shown in FIG. 19(b).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a process to analyze the input contents of the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 obtained in the timer interrupt process described below (step S1013). Specifically, the sub-control CPU 800a analyzes whether the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 was pressed by the player at the moment it was released, or whether it was still pressed.

Next, based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012, the sub-control CPU 800a controls the operation of the top, left, right and top left movable parts 43a to 43d (see Figure 2), controls the turning on and off of decorative lamps such as LED lamps which are light emitting means mounted on the decorative lamp board 90 (see Figure 3), controls the speaker 17 and controls the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 (step S1014).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs a checksum calculation, which is an 8-bit addition operation on the working area of the sub-control RAM 800c, and performs memory backup processing to store the checksum calculation value in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1015).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a checks whether or not a VSYNC interrupt signal has been sent from the VDP 803 to the sub-control CPU 800a (step S1016). If a VSYNC interrupt signal has not been sent (step S1016: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the process of step S1016 until a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent, and when a VSYNC interrupt signal is sent (step S1016: YES), the process returns to step S1007 again and repeats the processes of steps S1007 to S1016.

<Sub-control: Data analysis processing>
Next, the data analysis process of step S1014 of the main process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 38. First, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a command list for generating image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41 by the VDP 803, based on the performance scenario data corresponding to the performance pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 (step S1050).

Next, if the performance scenario data contains data indicating that a performance produced by pressing the performance button device 13 is enabled or data indicating that a performance produced by repeatedly hitting the setting button 15 is enabled, the sub-control CPU 800a stores the data in a memory area within the sub-control RAM 800c.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a control signal for light based on the data contents of the lamp data stored in the above-mentioned performance scenario data, and stores it in the sub-control RAM 800c.

The sub-control CPU 800a also determines the operation content of the upper, left, right, and upper left movable props 43a to 43d based on the data content of the movable prop data stored in the performance scenario data, and generates motor data for the motor (not shown) of the movable prop device 43 according to the determined operation content.

Furthermore, the sub-control CPU 800a generates a control signal related to sound based on the data contents of the sound data stored in the performance scenario data (step S1051).

Thus, the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of steps S1050 and S1051 described above until all data based on the presentation pattern determined by lottery in step S1012 shown in FIG. 37 has been generated (step S1052: NO), and when all of the data has been generated (step S1052: YES), it proceeds to processing of step S1053.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a performs button-enabled processing based on the contents stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 and the input contents of the setting button 15 or the performance button device 13 processed in step S1013 shown in FIG. 37 (step S1053).

<Sub-control: command reception interrupt processing>
Next, referring to Figure 39, we will explain the processing that occurs when a performance control command DI_CMD and an interrupt signal are sent from the main control board 60 while such main processing is being executed.

As shown in FIG. 39, when the sub-control CPU 800a receives the interrupt signal, it executes a save process to save the contents of each register to a stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1100). The sub-control CPU 800a then reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1101) and calculates a pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1102).

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a again reads the register of the input port that received the performance control command DI_CMD (step S1103) and checks whether the value read in step S1101 matches the value read in step S1103. If they do not match (step S1104: NO), the process proceeds to step S1107. If they match (step S1104: YES), the performance control command DI_CMD received from the main control board 60 is stored in the address corresponding to the calculated pointer (step S1105). This stored performance control command DI_CMD is read out by the sub-control CPU 800a when processing step S1012 shown in FIG. 37.

Then, the sub-control CPU 800a updates the pointer indicating the address of the command transmission/reception memory area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1106), and restores the registers saved in the processing of step S1100 (step S1107). This causes the process to return to the main processing shown in FIG. 37.

<Sub-control: Timer interrupt processing>
Next, referring to FIG. 40, a process to be performed when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, which is set in step S1006 (see FIG. 37) of the main process, will be described.

As shown in FIG. 40, when a timer interrupt occurs every 1 ms, the sub-control CPU 800a executes a save process to save the contents of each register to a stack area in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1150).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a twice acquires the data of the setting button 15, the data of the performance button device 13, the motor data of the movable role device 43, etc. (step S1151), and checks whether the data acquired twice matches (step S1152). If the data does not match (step S1152: NO), the sub-control CPU 800a repeats the processing of step S1151 until the data matches, and if the data matches (step S1152: YES), it stores the matching data in the sub-control RAM 800c (step S1153).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a receives a signal from the setting button 15 or the effect button device 13 (step S1154). This received signal is analyzed by the button analysis process of step S1013 shown in FIG. 37.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a transmits the light-related control signal stored in the sub-control RAM 800c in step S1051 shown in FIG. 38 to the decorative lamp board 90 (see FIG. 3) (step S1155). At this time, the control signal required to turn on or off the identification lamp device 51A (see FIG. 2) is also transmitted.

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a restores the registers that were saved in step S1150 (step S1156). This returns the process to the main process shown in FIG. 37.

<Sub-control: Command list>
The command list generated in step S1050 shown in FIG. 38 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

This command list is a sequence of commands for the VDP 803 (command parser 8035), but the contents and order of the commands differ slightly depending on whether you are instructing the drawing of a video or a still image.

When instructing VDP803 to draw a video, the initial command list is as shown in Figure 41(a) and the regular command list is as shown in Figure 41(b).

As shown in FIG. 41(a), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set, and the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which video data is stored (step S1200).

Next, a command is generated to instruct the decoding of the video (step S1201). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which compressed video data to decode, along with the address of the CG data storage area in the game ROM 805 where the relevant video is stored, the number of frames of that video, etc.

Next, the command for the termination process is entered to complete the generation of the initial command list (step S1202).

Next, the sub-control CPU 800a generates the regular command list shown in FIG. 41(b).

As shown in FIG. 41(b), this steady-state command list is composed of video rendering instructions, and in the initial command list, a command is generated to determine which frame number of the decoded data is to be rendered at which coordinate position on the liquid crystal display device 41 for the decoded video data (step S1203). Next, a termination command is entered to complete the generation of the steady-state command list (step S1204).

On the other hand, when instructing the VDP 803 to draw a still image, as shown in FIG. 41(c), the sub-control CPU 800a first generates a command to set the memory area of the DDR2 SDRAM 804 in which the frame buffer area is set (step S1210).

Next, a command is generated to instruct decoding of the still image (step S1211). Specifically, this is an instruction as to which still image compressed data to decode, and is instructed together with the address and data size of the CG data storage area of the game ROM 805 where the corresponding still image is stored.

Next, a command is generated to indicate at what coordinate position on the liquid crystal display device 41 the decoded still image data should be drawn, and in what manner (rotation angle, reduction/enlargement, etc.) (step S1212). Next, a termination command is entered, completing the generation of the command list for still images (step S1213).

These command lists for moving images and still images are sent to the VDP 803 (see FIG. 4), processed appropriately, and then sent to the liquid crystal display device 41. As a result, the images shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, 11 to 12, 15 to 17, and 20 to 23, which have been described in detail above, are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 41.

Therefore, through the above-mentioned processing, the performance contents described with reference to Figures 4 to 23 above are executed.

<Description of Modifications>
In this embodiment, the sound LSI 801 and the VDP 803 are configured separately, but they may be integrated into one chip.

In addition, in this embodiment, an example is shown in which the sub-control CPU 800a is provided within the sub one-chip microcomputer 800, but this is not limiting, and the sub-control CPU 800a may be provided within the VDP 803.

1 Pachinko game machine 41 Liquid crystal display device (display means)
800a Sub-control CPU (variable performance execution means)
803 VDP (Image Processing Means)
P70 Background image (image 1)
P71 Image for processing

Claims (1)

A display means;
A variable performance execution means capable of executing a predetermined variable performance;
Image 1 and
An image for processing for adding a performance effect in the predetermined variation performance to the first image;
A performance image used for the predetermined variable performance;
An image processing means,
The image to be processed is composed of a single color,
The image size of the first image is larger than the image size of the image for production and the image size of the image for processing, and
The image size of the image for presentation is larger than the image size of the image for processing,
The image processing means includes:
In the predetermined variation performance,
The gaming machine enlarges the image for processing to the same size as the first image, selects an image process for darkening the first image from a plurality of image processes, performs image processing on the image for processing and/or the first image, and then superimposes the image for processing on the first image. Thereafter, the gaming machine enlarges the image for performance, and superimposes the enlarged image for performance on the image for processing, thereby displaying the image on the display means.

Images